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 offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. Fundamentally, it’s comparable to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in captivating stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. For people adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. When somebody experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes used to a quieter environment.
As a result, new sounds can initially seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. For people who have auditory processing problems or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be really helpful. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
There are several ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for an individual to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve overall communication effectiveness.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. 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.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. This dual approach strengthens the connection between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training process will be improved by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide array of titles. Additionally, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or on the go.
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 practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless connection to your phone. 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 start
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you personalized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.