Books-on-tape was what we used to call them, way back when. Back then, of course, we didn’t even have CDs never mind streaming services. Nowadays, people call them audiobooks (which, we won’t lie, is a much better name).
An audiobook allows you to read a book by, well, listening to it. It’s sort of like when you were younger and a teacher or parent read to you. You’ll be able to learn new things, get lost in an engaging story, and experience ideas you were never aware of. Listening to audiobooks when you’re passing time will be a mentally enriching experience.
And they’re also a terrific tool for audio training.
Auditory training – what is it?
Wait, wait, wait, what’s this auditory training thing, you ask? It sounds complicated and a lot like school.
Auditory training is a special type of listening, created to help you enhance your ability to process, comprehend, and interpret sounds (medically known as “auditory information”). One of the main uses of auditory training is to help people learn to hear with their new hearing aids.
That’s because when you have unaddressed hearing loss, your brain can slowly grow out of practice. (Your auditory centers become accustomed to living in a less noisy environment.) So when you get a new pair of hearing aids, your brain abruptly has to deal with an influx of additional information. When this happens, your brain will find it hard, at first, to process all those new sounds as well as it should. As a result, auditory training often becomes a helpful exercise. Also, for people who are dealing with auditory processing disorders or have language learning difficulties, auditory training can be a helpful tool.
Think of it like this: Audio books won’t really make you hear clearer, but they will help you better distinguish what you’re hearing.
When you listen to audiobooks, what happens?
Auditory training was created to help your brain get accustomed to making sense out of sounds again. If you think about it, people have a very complicated relationship with noise. Every single sound you hear has some significance. It’s a lot for your brain to absorb. The concept is that audiobooks are an excellent way to help your brain get accustomed to that process again, particularly if you’re breaking in a new set of hearing aids.
Audiobooks can assist with your auditory training in a few different ways, including the following:
- A bigger vocabulary: Who doesn’t want to improve their vocabulary? The more words you’re exposed to, the larger your vocabulary will become. Surprise your friends by using amazingly apt words. Perhaps those french fries look dubious, or you’re concerned that bringing your friends to the bar will really exacerbate your issues with your boyfriend. Either way, audiobooks can help you find the right word for the right situation.
- Improvements in pronunciation: In some cases, it’s not just the hearing part that can need some practice. Hearing loss can often bring on social solitude which can cause communication skills to atrophy. Audiobooks can make communication a great deal easier by helping you get a handle on pronunciation.
- Perception of speech: Audiobooks will help you get used to hearing and understanding speech again. During typical conversations, however, you will have much less control than you will with an audiobook. You can listen to sentences as many times as you need to in order to distinguish them. It’s an excellent way to practice understanding words!
- Improvements of focus: You’ll be able to pay attention longer, with a little help from your audiobook pals. After all, if you’re getting accustomed to a new set of hearing aids, it may have been a while since you last took part in and listened to a complete conversation. An audiobook can give you some practice in staying focused and tuned in.
- Listening comprehension: Hearing speech is one thing, understanding it is another thing completely. Audiobooks help you practice processing and understanding what is being talked about. Your brain requires practice helping ideas take root in your mind by practicing linking those ideas to words. This can help you follow conversations more closely in your day-to-day life.
Audiobooks as auditory aids
WE suggest that, as you enjoy your audiobook, you also read along with a physical copy of the book as well. Your brain will adjust faster to new audio inputs making those linguistic links more robust. It’s definitely a beneficial way to enhance your auditory training adventure. Because hearing aids are enhanced by audiobooks.
Audiobooks are also great because they’re pretty easy to come by right now. You can subscribe to them on an app called Audible. You can easily purchase them from Amazon or other online sellers. And you can hear them anywhere on your phone.
And you can also get podcasts on just about every topic in case you can’t find an audiobook you want to listen to. Your mind and your hearing can be enhanced together.
Can I listen to audiobooks through my hearing aids
Lots of modern hearing aids are Bluetooth enabled. So all of your Bluetooth-enabled devices, including your phone, your tv, and your speakers, can be connected with your hearing aids. This means you don’t need to place cumbersome headphones over your hearing aids just to play an audiobook. You can utilize your hearing aids for this instead.
This results in an easier process and a better quality sound.
Ask us about how audiobooks can help with your auditory training
So if you think your hearing might be starting to go, or you’re concerned about getting used to your hearing aids, talk to us about audiobooks.