In the past, we called them “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 norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without having to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. It’s basically like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to explore new ideas, get lost in captivating stories, or acquire new knowledge. Beyond being an enjoyable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping an individual perceive and better understand audio information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this type of training can be especially helpful. When somebody experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
As a result, new sounds can at first seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Engaging with audiobooks can substantially aid in auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for an individual to practice comprehending spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to improve comprehension. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to comprehend spoken words.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists often recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. This dual approach strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to gain access to audiobooks. 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 particular audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a great way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
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 guarantees a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks straight to your hearing aids.
Consult with your hearing specialist
If you’re considering incorporating 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.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.