Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “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 needing to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. Fundamentally, it’s akin to having someone narrate the book to you. You can use this format to acquire new knowledge, become immersed in enchanting stories, and explore new concepts. Beyond being an enjoyable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice designed to help an individual perceive and better understand audio information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be especially helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
Consequently, new sounds can initially 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. For people who have auditory processing problems or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
There are a number of ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- 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 associate words with concepts.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. Your ability to understand spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social separation. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- 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 adapting to new hearing aids.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For maximum results, hearing specialists often suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual strategy reinforces the connection between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training process will be enhanced 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 such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
Podcasts also provide a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a specific audiobook you want to listen to. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while improving 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 guarantees a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks directly to your hearing aids.
Talk to your hearing specialist
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can help you develop your auditory skills by giving you personalized advice about how to get the most out of this resource.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.