Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “books on tape”? Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the familiar term. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. It’s basically like somebody is narrating the book for you. You can use this format to gain 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.
What is auditory training?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping a person perceive and better comprehend audio information. This training becomes especially relevant for individuals using hearing aids. When somebody experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
Consequently, new sounds can initially seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. For people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- 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 adapting to new hearing aids.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech involves more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help increase your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve overall communication effectiveness.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to improve comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be refined by this practice.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process may be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. The auditory training process will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Today, 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. Moreover, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or out and about.
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, letting you listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
If you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good idea to talk to your hearing specialist. They can offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.