In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. Today we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the familiar term. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a contemporary 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 offers an immersive way to explore new concepts, 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?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping an individual perceive and better understand audio information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be especially helpful. For somebody who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, new sounds can at first seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. For people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can significantly aid in auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. This practice helps in refining your ability to grasp spoken words.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social separation. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For maximum results, hearing specialists usually recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training process.
Where to obtain audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to gain access to audiobooks. There is a wide array of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on a wide range of subjects. They can also be a great way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature eliminates the need for separate headphones, letting you listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good idea to consult with your hearing specialist. They can offer individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.