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 offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. Essentially, it’s comparable to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to explore new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. For people adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be especially helpful. For someone who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, new sounds can initially seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Engaging with audiobooks can significantly aid in auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- 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 enhance general communication effectiveness.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. When someone is attempting to adapt to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to improve comprehension. This practice helps in refining your ability to understand spoken words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than simply 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 link words with concepts.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. This dual strategy strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
Where to obtain audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. 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 wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
Podcasts also provide 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
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types of hearing aids nowadays which allows them to have a wireless connection to your phone. This feature guarantees a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks straight to your hearing aids.
Talk to 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 routine. They can provide individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.