Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “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, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. Fundamentally, it’s akin to having someone narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to explore new concepts, get lost in exciting stories, or gain new knowledge. Audiobooks can also function as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping a person perceive and better comprehend audio information. This training becomes especially useful for people who use hearing aids. For somebody who is coping with 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 improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. It’s also beneficial for individuals who have language learning difficulties or auditory processing disorders. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with live 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.
- 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 adapting to new hearing aids.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For maximum results, hearing specialists often suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process could be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
Where to find audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on a wide range of subjects. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless connection to your phone. This feature gets rid of the need for separate headphones, letting you 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
If you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good idea to talk to your hearing specialist. They can offer individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.
