In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. 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 contemporary approach to reading
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. It’s basically like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to investigate new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So 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 type of training can be particularly helpful. For somebody who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
When new sounds are initially introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. It’s also useful for people with language learning challenges or auditory processing disorders. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Engaging with audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- 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 replay what was said. This practice helps in refining your ability to grasp spoken words.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails 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 everyday settings.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. When somebody is attempting to adapt to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Pronunciation Practice: For those with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
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 connection between written and spoken words. The auditory training process will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
Where to find audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide assortment of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere 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 subjects. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
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 routine. 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.