Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “books on tape”? With the introduction of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. It’s essentially like someone is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to explore new concepts, get lost in captivating stories, or gain new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You may be wondering, “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 using hearing aids, this kind of training can be particularly helpful. For somebody who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, new sounds can at first seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. 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 do audiobooks help with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can significantly aid in auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Pronunciation Practice: For those with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to improve comprehension. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to understand spoken words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to associate words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. When someone is trying to adapt to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. This dual strategy reinforces the connection between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
Where to find audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to gain access to audiobooks. There is a wide variety of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a variety of subjects. They are also a great way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many models of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless connection to your phone. This feature gets rid of the need for separate headphones, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
If you’re thinking about introducing 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 personalized advice about how to get the most out of this resource.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.