Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “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 contemporary approach to reading
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. It’s basically like someone is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to explore new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this type of training can be especially helpful. For someone who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. For people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be really helpful. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
There are a number of ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When someone is attempting to adjust to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. 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 link words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social separation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve general communication effectiveness.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists often suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual strategy strengthens the connection between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to access audiobooks. There is a wide array of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
Podcasts also present 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 improve your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many models of hearing aids nowadays 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 begin
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can help you develop your auditory skills by giving you personalized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.