Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “books on tape”? Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the familiar term. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without having to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. It’s basically like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to investigate new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Beyond being an enjoyable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes used to a quieter environment.
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 individuals who have auditory processing problems 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 audiobooks facilitate auditory training
There are a number of ways that 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 enhance your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to develop comprehension. This practice helps in refining your ability to understand spoken words.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be improved by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide array of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Moreover, 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 particular audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. This feature ensures a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks straight to your hearing aids.
Consult with 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 help you develop 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.