In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. Today we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the common term. Audiobooks offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
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. It’s essentially like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in captivating stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being an enjoyable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice designed to help a person perceive and better understand audio information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be especially helpful. When somebody experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes used to a quieter environment.
Consequently, new sounds can initially seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. For people 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 in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve general communication effectiveness.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to improve comprehension. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks challenge your brain to associate words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in everyday settings.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach strengthens the connection between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training process 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. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide array of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a variety of topics. They can also be a great way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come equipped 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 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 thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you individualized advice about how to get the most out of this resource.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.