Adapting to Hearing Aids Will be Smoother With the Help of Audiobooks

Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? 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 needing to sit down and actually read.

Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks

With audiobooks, you don’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 use this format to acquire new knowledge, become immersed in enchanting stories, and explore new ideas. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.

Auditory training – exactly what is it?

So what exactly is “auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on improving your ability to process, perceive, and decipher auditory information. This training becomes particularly useful for individuals 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, enhancing sound processing capabilities. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Rather than simply sharpening hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.

How audiobooks facilitate auditory training

Engaging with audiobooks can significantly help with auditory training through various mechanisms:

• Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in understanding spoken language. 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 comprehend spoken words.
• Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diversified range of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
• Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social isolation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve general communication effectiveness.
• Enhanced Focus: When people listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. When somebody is trying to adjust to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
• Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks can help increase your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.

Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool

For maximum results, hearing specialists usually recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual approach strengthens the connection between spoken and written language, potentially speeding up the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.

How to access audiobooks

Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide range of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.

If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on an assortment of subjects. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.

Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks

Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types 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, letting you 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 considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can provide individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.

Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.