Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? With the advent of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the standard, and rightly so. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without needing to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. It’s basically like someone is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to explore new concepts, get lost in captivating stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also function as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping an individual perceive and better comprehend audio information. This training becomes especially relevant for people who use hearing aids. For somebody who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overwhelming as a result.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. For people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be very helpful. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
There are several ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in comprehending spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to develop comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- 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 adapting to new hearing aids.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social separation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve overall communication effectiveness.
- 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 everyday settings.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For optimal results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process could be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be improved by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Furthermore, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, 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 can also be a great way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many modern hearing aids come furnished 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.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good plan to consult with your hearing specialist. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you individualized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.