Short Stories is a new addition to Auribus that moves beyond traditional word and sentence drills by offering immersive narratives with multiple speakers, varied accents, and optional background noise. This innovative approach combines engaging content with proven training techniques to help users develop real-world listening skills, whether they're using cochlear implants, hearing aids, or working on general auditory processing abilities.
We are excited to introduce Short Stories, a powerful new addition that enhances the typical user experience in auditory training. By bridging the gap between structured exercises and real-world listening scenarios, Short Stories offers an engaging way to build practical comprehension skills. While providing a refreshing break from traditional training exercises, it maintains therapeutic value by incorporating multiple speakers, varied accents, and optional background noise.
Short Stories represents a significant departure from traditional auditory training methods. Instead of relying solely on isolated word or sentence drills, we've created an immersive experience that prepares users for real-world listening scenarios. Each story features various voices, including non-native English speakers, providing exposure to different accents, pacing, and tonal variations. Rather than working with isolated sounds or words, users engage with complete narratives that help develop predictive listening skills. These complex storylines encourage top-down processing, helping users develop the mental agility needed for real-world conversations.
Our library offers a rich variety of content to support effective auditory training. Users can explore diverse narratives, from timeless classics to contemporary tales, each carefully selected to enhance the listening experience. You might find yourself enjoying "The Mouse and the Christmas Cake," exploring the rhythmic patterns of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken," or experiencing the beloved "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with its varied vocal expressions. These are just a few examples from our growing collection, as we regularly add new stories and poems to keep the content fresh and engaging.
The power of Short Stories lies not just in the content itself, but in how users can customize their training environment. Understanding that everyone's listening journey is unique, we've included flexible background noise options to match individual training goals. Users can begin their practice in quiet environments for basic skill development, then gradually introduce ambient noise to simulate real-world conditions as their skills improve. This progressive approach allows each person to advance at their own pace while building confidence in increasingly challenging listening situations.
Our design is grounded in well-established auditory research. Studies have shown significant benefits from this type of structured training approach. Ferguson et al. (2016) demonstrated improved speech perception in hearing aid users through structured training, while Pichora-Fuller et al. (2016) established the important relationship between complex auditory input and reduced listening effort. These findings validate our approach of combining multiple speakers, varied content types, and progressive difficulty levels.
You can customize your practice by selecting stories that match your current goals—whether you want to work with challenging accents, manage background noise, or simply enjoy an engaging narrative. For users working with clinicians, progress can be tracked through Auribus Link, allowing for professional guidance in your listening journey.
Looking ahead, our commitment to enhancing your auditory training experience continues. We plan to expand our story selections, develop more sophisticated background noise options, and enhance our clinical monitoring tools. Your feedback will help shape these improvements, ensuring that Short Stories remains both effective and engaging.
Short Stories reflects our commitment to creating practical, yet enjoyable evidence-based solutions for auditory training. By combining engaging content with proven learning techniques, we've created an approach that not only improves listening skills but does so in a way that directly translates to real-world situations. Whether you're using a cochlear implant, hearing aids, or working on general auditory processing skills, Short Stories represents a significant step forward in making auditory training both more effective and more engaging.
Ferguson, M. A., Brandreth, M., Brassington, W., & Wharrad, H. (2016). A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the benefits of auditory training for hearing aid users. Ear & Hearing, 37(2), 123–136.
Pichora-Fuller, M. K., Kramer, S. E., Eckert, M. A., et al. (2016). Hearing impairment and cognitive energy: The framework for understanding effortful listening (FUEL). Seminars in Hearing, 37(3), 207–221.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. For personalized guidance and recommendations regarding your specific hearing condition and cochlear implant or hearing aid usage, it is important to consult with your audiologist or healthcare professional.
