In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that seems almost archaic today. With the advent of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the standard, and rightly so. Audiobooks offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. Fundamentally, it’s akin to having someone narrate the book to you. You can utilize this format to gain new knowledge, become absorbed in enchanting stories, and explore new concepts. Audiobooks can also function as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. For people adapting to using hearing aids, this kind of training can be especially helpful. For somebody who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, new sounds can initially seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be really helpful. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
Engaging with audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social separation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance general communication effectiveness.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in comprehending spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to develop comprehension. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When somebody is trying to adapt to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists often suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide array of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Furthermore, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or out and about.
Podcasts also present a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a specific audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a great way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many models of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. This feature gets rid of the need for separate headphones, letting you listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
If you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good plan to talk to your hearing specialist. They can provide individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.