Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the familiar term. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. Fundamentally, it’s akin to having someone narrate the book to you. You can use this format to gain new knowledge, become absorbed in captivating stories, and explore new concepts. 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. For people adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be especially helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes used to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are initially introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. For people who have auditory processing difficulties 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 audiobooks facilitate auditory training
There are a number of ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to connect words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. When someone is trying to adapt 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 fine-tuning your ability to grasp spoken words.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For optimal results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process may be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
Where to find audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to access audiobooks. There is a wide array of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Moreover, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, 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 involved.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless connection to your phone. This feature guarantees 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
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can help you develop 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 assist your hearing journey.
