In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. 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.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you don’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. You can use this format to gain new knowledge, become immersed in captivating stories, and explore new ideas. Beyond being an enjoyable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. For individuals adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. For somebody 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. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning challenges, 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 that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply 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 refined by this practice.
- 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.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process could be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be enhanced 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 like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide array of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
Podcasts also present a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a specific audiobook you want to listen to. They are also a great way to engage your mind while improving your hearing.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. This feature eliminates 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 help you develop 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.