In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that seems almost archaic nowadays. With the introduction of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. It’s essentially like someone is narrating the book for you. You can use this format to acquire new knowledge, become absorbed in captivating stories, and explore new ideas. Beyond being an enjoyable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional 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 relevant for people using hearing aids. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes used to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both sharpens 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 a variety of mechanisms:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to connect words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to understand spoken words.
Getting the most out 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 adaptation process could be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training process.
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. Moreover, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a wide range of topics. They are also an ideal way to engage your mind while improving your hearing.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come furnished 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 program, it’s a good plan to consult with your hearing specialist. They can offer individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.
