In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic nowadays. With the advent of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. Essentially, it’s comparable to having someone narrate the book to you. This format provides an immersive way to explore new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also function as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping a person perceive and better comprehend audio information. For individuals adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be particularly helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes used to a quieter environment.
Consequently, new sounds can initially seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. 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 audiobooks assist auditory training
There are a number of ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in 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 fine-tuning your ability to understand spoken words.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech requires more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help increase your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When somebody is attempting to adapt to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. Furthermore, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Podcasts also provide 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 enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless connection to your phone. This feature ensures a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks straight to your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.