Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the common term. Audiobooks offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. Essentially, it’s akin to having someone 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 an enjoyable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So 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 wearing 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 overwhelming as a result.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. It’s also beneficial for people who have language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can substantially aid in auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech requires 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.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance general communication effectiveness.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for an individual to practice understanding spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. This practice helps in refining your ability to understand spoken words.
- 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 adapting 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 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 experience will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to gain access to audiobooks. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide array of titles. Moreover, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on an assortment of topics. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to link 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 introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.
