Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the familiar term. Audiobooks offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can simply listen to it. It’s essentially like somebody is narrating the book for you. You can utilize this format to gain new knowledge, become absorbed in enchanting stories, and explore new ideas. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice tailored to helping a person perceive and better comprehend audio information. For individuals adapting to wearing hearing aids, this kind of training can be especially helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes used to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are initially introduced, they can seem overwhelming as a result.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. It’s also beneficial for those with language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech involves more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help increase your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in comprehending spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to improve comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. When someone is attempting to adapt to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Pronunciation Practice: For those with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance general communication effectiveness.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best 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.
Where to obtain audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before 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 anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the convenience of smartphones.
Podcasts also provide a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a specific audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many contemporary hearing aids come furnished with Bluetooth technology, letting them pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature guarantees a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks directly to your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering 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 out of this resource.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.