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 modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. Fundamentally, 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 gain new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping a person perceive and better comprehend audio information. For people adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be especially helpful. For someone who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
Auditory training helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. It’s also beneficial for individuals who have language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
There are several ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. When somebody is trying to adapt to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified range of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in comprehending spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words involves content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve overall communication effectiveness.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to access audiobooks. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a wide range of topics. They are also a great way to engage your mind while improving your hearing.
Linking 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 eliminates the need for separate headphones, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
If you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good plan to consult with your hearing specialist. They can help you develop your auditory skills by giving you individualized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can support your hearing journey.
