Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the common term. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without needing to sit down and actually read.
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. It’s essentially like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to investigate new ideas, 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 an individual perceive and better understand audio information. For individuals adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be especially helpful. For somebody who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, new sounds can initially seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. It’s also beneficial for people who have language learning challenges or auditory processing conditions. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Engaging with audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice understanding spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to improve comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social separation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance general communication effectiveness.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to connect words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
Where to find audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. 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 having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on an assortment 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, allowing them to 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, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.