Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? With the introduction of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. It’s basically like someone is narrating the book for 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?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at improving your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. This training becomes especially useful for people who use hearing aids. For someone who has 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 helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. It’s also useful for those with language learning challenges or auditory processing conditions. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Engaging with audiobooks can significantly aid in auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social isolation. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When somebody is attempting to adapt to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice understanding spoken words. 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 comprehend spoken words.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For maximum results, hearing specialists usually suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach reinforces 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 experience.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. Moreover, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or out and about.
Podcasts also present a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a specific audiobook you want to listen to. They are also a great way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many models of hearing aids nowadays which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. This feature ensures a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks directly to your hearing aids.
Talk to your hearing specialist
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can help you develop your auditory skills by giving you individualized advice about how to get the most out of this resource.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.