In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that seems 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
An audiobook allows you to “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 serve as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes particularly useful for people who use hearing aids. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Engaging with audiobooks can substantially aid in auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to grasp spoken words.
- 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 improve general communication effectiveness.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists often suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. This dual approach strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide array of titles. Moreover, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a variety of topics. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come furnished with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to 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 directly to your hearing aids.
Talk to your hearing specialist
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 personalized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.