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
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. It’s essentially like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format offers 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 may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice designed to help a person perceive and better comprehend audio information. This training becomes especially useful for people who use hearing aids. For somebody who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overwhelming as a result.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. For individuals who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be very helpful. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
There are a number of ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When someone is attempting to adapt to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are an excellent way for an individual to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to comprehend spoken words.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social isolation. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech involves more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. This dual strategy strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
Where to find audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to gain access to audiobooks. There is a wide array of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Furthermore, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Podcasts also provide a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a particular audiobook you want to listen to. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types of hearing aids nowadays which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. This feature guarantees 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 thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good plan to consult with your hearing specialist. They can provide individualized 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.
