Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? Today 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.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you don’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 explore new concepts, get lost in exciting stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being an enjoyable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice designed to help a person perceive and better understand audio information. For individuals adapting to using hearing aids, this kind of training can be particularly helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are initially introduced, they can seem overwhelming 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 useful for individuals with language learning challenges or auditory processing disorders. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- 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.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. When somebody is attempting to adjust to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social isolation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve general communication effectiveness.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists often recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. This dual strategy strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
Where to obtain audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks available on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on an assortment of topics. They can also be a great way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many models 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 directly to your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.