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 offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming 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 essentially like someone is narrating the book for you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in exciting stories, or gain new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes especially relevant for people using hearing aids. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
Consequently, new sounds can at first seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. It’s also advantageous for individuals with language learning difficulties or auditory processing disorders. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
There are a number of ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for a person to practice comprehending spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- 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 overall communication effectiveness.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. 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 like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever 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 particular audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many modern 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.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you individualized 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.
