Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “books on tape”? 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 having to sit down and actually read.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. It’s essentially like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to explore new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or gain new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping an individual perceive and better understand audio information. For individuals adapting to wearing hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. 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 helps the brain adapt 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 very helpful. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
Engaging with audiobooks can significantly aid in auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for a person to practice understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to develop comprehension. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to grasp spoken words.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When somebody is attempting to adjust to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to link words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process could be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. The auditory training process will be improved by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
Where to obtain audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to gain access to audiobooks. 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 having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on a wide range of topics. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many contemporary hearing aids come equipped 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, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good plan to consult with your hearing specialist. They can help you develop your auditory skills by giving you individualized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.