In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that seems almost archaic nowadays. Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the common term. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without needing to sit down and actually read.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. It’s essentially like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new ideas, get lost in captivating stories, or acquire new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes particularly useful for people using hearing aids. For somebody who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
When new sounds are initially introduced, they can seem overwhelming as a result.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. It’s also useful for people with language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech requires more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social isolation. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. This practice helps in refining your ability to understand spoken words.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists often recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. Moreover, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a wide range of subjects. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many modern hearing aids come furnished with Bluetooth technology, letting them pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature eliminates the need for separate headphones, letting you listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
If you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good plan to talk to your hearing specialist. They can help you develop your auditory skills by giving you personalized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.