Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “books on tape”? With the introduction 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 having to sit down and actually read.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. It’s basically like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new ideas, get lost in captivating stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be particularly helpful. For someone who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
When new sounds are initially introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. It’s also beneficial for those who have language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech involves more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help increase your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- 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 are a great way for a person to practice understanding spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with daily 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.
- 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.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. This dual approach reinforces the link between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training experience will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to access audiobooks. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Furthermore, with the convenience of smartphones, 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 practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty 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 straight to your hearing aids.
Consult with your hearing specialist
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can help you develop 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.