Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? Nowadays 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 having to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. Essentially, it’s comparable to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format provides 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 functional purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes especially relevant for individuals using hearing aids. For someone 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 helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. It’s also useful for people who have language learning difficulties or auditory processing disorders. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
There are a number of ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. When somebody is attempting to adjust to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to associate words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. Your ability to understand spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social isolation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve general communication effectiveness.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For maximum results, hearing specialists usually 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 enhanced by using audiobooks, making them a valuable 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 assortment of titles. Additionally, with the convenience of smartphones, 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 great way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless link 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 begin
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can offer individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.