Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? 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 needing 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. You can utilize this format to acquire new knowledge, become absorbed in enchanting stories, and explore new concepts. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be especially helpful. For someone who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, new sounds can at first seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. It’s also beneficial for individuals who have language learning challenges or auditory processing conditions. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
There are a number of ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in comprehending spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- 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.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social isolation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve overall communication effectiveness.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists often suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process could be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. The auditory training process will be improved by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to access audiobooks. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide array of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on an assortment of topics. They are also a great way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many models of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. This feature guarantees a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks directly to your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good idea to consult with your hearing specialist. They can help you develop your auditory skills by giving you personalized advice about how to get the most out of this resource.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.
