In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that seems almost archaic nowadays. With the advent of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. Essentially, it’s akin to having somebody narrate the book to you. You can utilize this format to acquire new knowledge, become absorbed in captivating stories, and explore new ideas. 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 tailored to helping an individual perceive and better comprehend audio information. This training becomes especially useful for individuals who use hearing aids. For someone who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, new sounds can initially seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training improves a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. It’s also useful for those who have language learning difficulties or auditory processing disorders. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- 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 overall communication effectiveness.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to associate words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. Your ability to understand spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists usually suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach reinforces the link between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
Where to find audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to gain access to audiobooks. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide array of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the convenience 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 great way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Many modern hearing aids come furnished with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to 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, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Consult with your hearing specialist
If you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, 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 enhance your auditory skills.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.