Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “books on tape”? Today we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the common term. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. Fundamentally, 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 ideas. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional 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. For individuals adapting to wearing hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overwhelming as a result.
Auditory training helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. It’s also advantageous for individuals who have language learning difficulties or auditory processing disorders. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When somebody is trying to adapt to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse assortment of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice understanding spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to develop comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For maximum results, hearing specialists often suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach reinforces the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training experience will be improved by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
Podcasts also present a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a particular audiobook you want to listen to. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature eliminates the need for separate headphones, letting you listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
If you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good plan to talk to your hearing specialist. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you personalized advice about how to get the most out of this resource.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.