In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that seems 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 having to sit down and actually read.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. Essentially, it’s comparable to having someone narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to explore new concepts, get lost in captivating stories, or acquire new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on improving your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. This training becomes particularly relevant for individuals using hearing aids. 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 helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. It’s also useful for those with language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
There are several ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to develop comprehension. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to grasp spoken words.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social isolation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve overall communication effectiveness.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For maximum results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process could be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
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 assortment of titles. 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 variety of subjects. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while improving your hearing.
Connecting 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, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good idea to consult with your hearing specialist. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you individualized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.
