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 allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without having to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. Fundamentally, it’s comparable to having someone narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice designed to help a person perceive and better understand audio information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be particularly helpful. For someone who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, new sounds can at first seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training increases 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 challenges, auditory training can also be really helpful. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
There are a number of ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech involves more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social separation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve general communication effectiveness.
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. When somebody is attempting to adjust to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to develop comprehension. This practice helps in refining your ability to understand spoken words.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists often 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. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to gain access to audiobooks. There is a wide array of audiobooks available on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Furthermore, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or on the go.
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 practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many modern hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to 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.
Talk to your hearing specialist
If you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good idea to talk to your hearing specialist. They can offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.
