Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? Today we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the familiar term. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without needing to sit down and actually read.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. Fundamentally, it’s comparable to having somebody narrate the book to you. You can use this format to gain new knowledge, become immersed in enchanting stories, and explore new ideas. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes particularly relevant for people who use hearing aids. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
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 difficulties or language learning challenges, 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
There are a number of ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse range of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to develop comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- 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 daily settings.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. 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.
- Pronunciation Practice: For those with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual strategy strengthens the connection between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training process will be improved by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to access audiobooks. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. 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.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many modern 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 straight to your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can offer individualized 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.