In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that seems almost archaic today. Today 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 having to sit down and actually read.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. Essentially, it’s akin to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to explore new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping a person perceive and better comprehend audio information. For people adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. When somebody experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
Consequently, new sounds can at first seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. For people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to connect words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in everyday settings.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide 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. Your ability to understand spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse assortment of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve general communication effectiveness.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For maximum results, hearing specialists often suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
Where to find audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. There is a wide array of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
Podcasts also present a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a specific audiobook you want to listen to. They are also a great way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many modern hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, letting them pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature gets rid of the need for separate headphones, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
If you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program, 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 improve your auditory skills.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.
