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 common term. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without needing to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a modern approach to reading
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. Fundamentally, it’s comparable to having somebody narrate the book to you. You can utilize this format to acquire new knowledge, become absorbed in captivating stories, and explore new ideas. Beyond being a pleasurable 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 improving your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. For individuals adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be especially helpful. When somebody experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
As a result, new sounds can initially seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
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 difficulties, auditory training can also be really helpful. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. When someone is trying to adapt to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice comprehending spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and replay sections to improve comprehension. This practice helps in refining your ability to understand spoken words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks challenge your brain to connect words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in everyday settings.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse assortment of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance general communication effectiveness.
Optimizing 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 adjustment process could be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
Where to obtain audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to access audiobooks. There is a wide array of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. 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 provide a similar auditory experience on a wide range of topics. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless connection to your phone. 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 considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good idea to talk to your hearing specialist. They can help you improve your auditory skills by giving you personalized advice about how to get the most from this resource.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.