Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “books on tape”? With the introduction of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. 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 don’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. Essentially, it’s akin to having someone narrate the book to you. This format provides an immersive way to investigate new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being an enjoyable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. This training becomes especially useful for individuals who use hearing aids. For someone 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 helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. It’s also advantageous for individuals who have language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech requires more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks challenge your brain to link words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse range of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- 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.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in comprehending spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with live conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. This practice helps in refining your ability to understand spoken words.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists often recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to access audiobooks. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide range of titles. Moreover, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Podcasts also present 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 enhancing your hearing.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, letting them pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature eliminates the need for separate headphones, letting you listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Consult with your hearing specialist
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can provide individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.