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 needing to sit down and actually read.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook allows you to “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 investigate new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping an individual perceive and better understand audio information. This training becomes particularly relevant for individuals who use hearing aids. When somebody experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes used to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overwhelming as a result.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. For people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be really helpful. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can substantially aid in auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse assortment of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social isolation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance general communication effectiveness.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice understanding spoken words. 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 understand spoken words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech involves more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks challenge your brain to connect words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists usually recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual strategy reinforces the connection between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training process will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide range of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
Podcasts also provide 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.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types of hearing aids nowadays 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.
Talk to your hearing specialist
If you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good idea to consult with your hearing specialist. They can provide individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.
