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 having 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 just listen to it. It’s essentially like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in captivating stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
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 individuals adapting to using hearing aids, this kind of training can be particularly helpful. For somebody who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, new sounds can at first 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 individuals who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be really helpful. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
There are a number of ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to develop comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech requires more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks challenge your brain to connect words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. When someone is attempting to adjust to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. This dual approach strengthens the connection between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training experience will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more accessible than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like 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 out and about.
Podcasts also present a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a particular audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a practical way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many models of hearing aids these days 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 considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good idea to consult with your hearing specialist. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you personalized advice about how to get the most out of this resource.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.