In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that seems almost archaic nowadays. Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the familiar term. Audiobooks offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. Essentially, it’s comparable to having someone narrate the book to you. You can utilize this format to acquire new knowledge, become immersed in enchanting stories, and explore new concepts. Audiobooks can also function as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes especially useful for people who use hearing aids. For somebody who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, new sounds can initially seem overwhelming 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 individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be really helpful. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
There are several ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- 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 link words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse assortment of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. 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 daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists often recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. This dual strategy strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training process will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
Podcasts also provide a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a particular audiobook you want to listen to. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while improving your hearing.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many contemporary 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, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can provide personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.