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 modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. Essentially, it’s akin to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format provides an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. 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 aimed at enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. This training becomes particularly useful for people who use hearing aids. For somebody who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
When new sounds are first 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. It’s also advantageous for people who have language learning challenges or auditory processing disorders. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
There are a number of ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to link words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in everyday settings.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social isolation. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in comprehending spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists often recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. This dual approach strengthens the connection between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training experience will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
Where to obtain audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide array of titles. Additionally, 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 specific audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many contemporary hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature gets rid of the need for separate headphones, letting you listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Consult with your hearing specialist
If you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good plan to consult with your hearing specialist. They can offer individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.
