In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that seems almost archaic today. Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the common term. 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 someone narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in captivating stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on improving your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. For individuals adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be especially helpful. For someone who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, new sounds can at first seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. It’s also advantageous for people who have language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to connect words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in everyday settings.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in comprehending spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. Your ability to understand spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social separation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve overall communication effectiveness.
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. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
Where to obtain audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide array of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Furthermore, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or on the go.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on a wide range of topics. They can also be a practical way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
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 link to your phone. This feature eliminates 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
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you individualized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.