Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? Today 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 needing to sit down and actually read.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. Fundamentally, it’s comparable to having someone narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping a person perceive and better understand audio information. This training becomes particularly relevant for people using hearing aids. For somebody who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, 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. It’s also useful for people with language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
There are a number of ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to improve comprehension. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to grasp spoken words.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. This dual approach strengthens the link 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 access audiobooks. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide range of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
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.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many models of hearing aids nowadays which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. 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.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good idea to consult with your hearing specialist. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you individualized advice about how to get the most out of this resource.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.