Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “books on tape”? With the advent of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without needing to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. Fundamentally, it’s comparable to having somebody narrate the book to you. You can utilize this format to acquire new knowledge, become absorbed in enchanting stories, and explore new ideas. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be particularly helpful. For someone who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, new sounds can at first 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 difficulties, 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 several ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- 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 adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for a person to practice comprehending spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to develop comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social separation. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists often suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. This dual strategy reinforces the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks available on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere 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 can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many types of hearing aids these days 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 directly to your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good idea to talk to your hearing specialist. They can help you improve 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 assist your hearing journey.
