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 common term. Audiobooks offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. It’s basically like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on improving your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. This training becomes especially relevant for people using hearing aids. For somebody who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, new sounds can initially seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. For individuals who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be really helpful. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
There are several ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When someone is trying to adapt to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- 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 re-listen to what was said. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to grasp spoken words.
- 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 enhance general communication effectiveness.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech involves more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks challenge your brain to associate words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in everyday settings.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists often suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be improved by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
Where to obtain audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide array of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere 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 specific audiobook you want to listen to. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while improving your hearing.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many modern hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, letting them pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. 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
If you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good plan 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.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.