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 modern approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. Essentially, it’s comparable to having somebody narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to explore new concepts, get lost in exciting 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”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. For individuals adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be especially helpful. For someone who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, new sounds can initially seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. It’s also useful for people who have language learning challenges or auditory processing disorders. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Engaging with audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to link words with concepts, which can improve your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to develop comprehension. This practice helps in refining your ability to grasp spoken words.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social separation. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified assortment of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For maximum results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be improved by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Moreover, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on an assortment of topics. They can also be a practical way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a pretty common feature on many models of hearing aids nowadays which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. This feature gets rid of the need for separate headphones, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.