Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? With the introduction 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 having 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 just listen to it. It’s essentially like someone is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to investigate new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable 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 focused on enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. This training becomes especially relevant for individuals 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 overpowering as a result.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. For people who have auditory processing problems or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be very helpful. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social isolation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance general communication effectiveness.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to link words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in everyday settings.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to develop comprehension. This practice helps in refining your ability to comprehend spoken words.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. When someone is attempting to adjust to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
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. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been 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 cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or out and about.
Podcasts also provide a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a particular audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come equipped 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, 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 provide individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.
