In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. 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 needing to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
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 acquire new knowledge, become absorbed in captivating stories, and explore new concepts. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes particularly useful for people who use hearing aids. For somebody who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, 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 adapt to new sound inputs. For people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can significantly aid in auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- 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.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to improve comprehension. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to comprehend spoken words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For maximum results, hearing specialists usually suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
Where to obtain audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to access audiobooks. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a wide range of subjects. They can also be a practical way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
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 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.
Consult with your hearing specialist
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering introducing 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.