Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? 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 contemporary approach to reading
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 utilize 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 practical purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping an individual perceive and better understand audio information. This training becomes particularly useful for individuals using hearing aids. For someone who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, new sounds can at first seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning difficulties, 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 help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social separation. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to understand spoken words.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. This dual approach reinforces the connection between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
Where to obtain audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to access audiobooks. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide array of titles. Moreover, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or out and about.
Podcasts also provide a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a specific audiobook you want to listen to. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while improving your hearing.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary 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, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
Scheduling 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 enhance your auditory skills.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.
