In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. With the advent of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without having 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 akin to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format provides an immersive way to investigate new ideas, 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 an individual perceive and better understand audio information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this type of training can be especially helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes used to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
Auditory training helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. It’s also beneficial for individuals with language learning challenges or auditory processing disorders. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help increase your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for a person to practice comprehending spoken language. 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 fine-tuned by this practice.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For maximum results, hearing specialists often suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. The auditory training process will be improved by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks available on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Moreover, with the convenience of cell phones, 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 practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come furnished with Bluetooth technology, letting them pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature eliminates the need for separate headphones, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Consult with your hearing specialist
If you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good plan to talk to your hearing specialist. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you personalized advice about how to get the most out of this resource.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.