Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? 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.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. Essentially, it’s akin to having somebody narrate the book to you. You can use this format to gain new knowledge, become immersed in captivating stories, and explore new concepts. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at improving your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. This training becomes particularly useful for people using hearing aids. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes used to a quieter environment.
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 adapt to new sound inputs. For individuals who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
There are a number of ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Pronunciation Practice: For those with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance overall communication effectiveness.
- 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 comprehend spoken words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech requires 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.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. When someone is attempting to adapt to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For maximum results, hearing specialists often suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more available than ever. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. Moreover, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on an assortment of subjects. 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 furnished with Bluetooth technology, letting them pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature ensures a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks directly to your hearing aids.
Consult with your hearing specialist
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can provide 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.