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 standard, and rightly so. 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 don’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. It’s basically like someone is narrating the book for you. You can use this format to acquire new knowledge, become absorbed in enchanting stories, and explore new concepts. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. For people adapting to using hearing aids, this kind of training can be particularly helpful. When somebody experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
As a result, new sounds can at first seem overpowering 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 people who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
There are several ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social separation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve overall communication effectiveness.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to develop comprehension. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech involves more than just hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks challenge your brain to link words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When somebody is attempting to adjust to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists often recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process could be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. The auditory training process will be improved by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to access audiobooks. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide range of titles. Furthermore, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or out and about.
Podcasts also provide 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.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many contemporary hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, letting them 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, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
If you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good plan to consult with your hearing specialist. They can offer personalized 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.