In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. Today 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 having to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. It’s basically like somebody is narrating the book for you. You can utilize this format to acquire new knowledge, become immersed in captivating stories, and explore new concepts. 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. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
As a result, new sounds can initially seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be really helpful. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
Engaging with audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help increase your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance general communication effectiveness.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. When somebody is attempting to adjust to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to improve comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists usually suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
Where to obtain 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 range of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on an assortment of subjects. They can also be a great way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many contemporary hearing aids come equipped 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.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can provide personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.
