In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. With the introduction of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the standard, and rightly so. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. Essentially, it’s comparable to having someone narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new ideas, 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”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping an individual perceive and better understand audio information. This training becomes especially useful for people who use hearing aids. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
As a result, new sounds can at first seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. It’s also useful for individuals with language learning difficulties or auditory processing disorders. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
There are several ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. When somebody is trying to adapt to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great 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 refining your ability to understand spoken words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social separation. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For maximum results, hearing specialists often suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach reinforces the connection between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. 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 available than ever. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. Moreover, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a wide range of topics. They can also be a great way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come furnished with Bluetooth technology, letting them pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature ensures a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks straight to your hearing aids.
Consult with your hearing specialist
If you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good plan to talk to 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.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.