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 having to sit down and actually read.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. Fundamentally, it’s akin to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes particularly useful for people using hearing aids. For someone who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, new sounds can initially seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. For people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be really helpful. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Engaging with audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When someone is trying to adjust to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. This practice helps in refining your ability to understand spoken words.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse range of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to associate words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in everyday settings.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve general communication effectiveness.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach strengthens the link between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training process will be improved by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
Where to obtain audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to access audiobooks. There is a wide array of audiobooks available on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
Podcasts also present a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a specific audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a practical way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many modern hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, letting them pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature gets rid of the need for separate headphones, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
If you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good idea 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 support your hearing journey.
