In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that seems almost archaic nowadays. Today we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the common term. Audiobooks offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. Fundamentally, it’s akin to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to explore new concepts, get lost in captivating 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”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. For people adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be especially helpful. For somebody who is coping with 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 people who have auditory processing problems or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be very 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:
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social isolation. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice understanding spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to improve comprehension. This practice helps in refining your ability to understand spoken words.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For optimal results, hearing specialists often suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach strengthens the connection between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training process will be improved by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
Where to find audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to gain access to audiobooks. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide range of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on an assortment of subjects. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many modern hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to 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, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good idea to talk to your hearing specialist. They can offer 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.
