In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that seems almost archaic nowadays. 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 needing to sit down and actually read.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. It’s essentially like someone is narrating the book for you. You can use this format to acquire new knowledge, become immersed in captivating stories, and explore new ideas. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice designed to help a person perceive and better understand audio information. This training becomes especially useful for people who use hearing aids. When somebody experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
Consequently, new sounds can at first seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. For people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be really helpful. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
There are a number of ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When someone is trying to adjust to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks challenge your brain to link words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Pronunciation Practice: For those with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance overall communication effectiveness.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with daily 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.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For maximum results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual strategy reinforces 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 experience.
Where to find audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to gain access to audiobooks. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. Additionally, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on a variety of subjects. They are also a great way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many models of hearing aids these days 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 straight to your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
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 offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.