In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic nowadays. Today we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the common term. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning 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. Essentially, it’s akin to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format provides an immersive way to explore new concepts, get lost in captivating stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being an enjoyable 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 designed to help an individual perceive and better comprehend audio information. For people adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
Consequently, new sounds can at first seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. It’s also advantageous for people with language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Engaging with audiobooks can substantially aid in auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks challenge your brain to link words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social isolation. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. This practice helps in refining your ability to comprehend spoken words.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For maximum results, hearing specialists usually recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process may be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training experience.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide range of titles. Additionally, 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 can also be a great way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many types of hearing aids nowadays which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. This feature gets rid of the need for separate headphones, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program. 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.
