Understanding Selective Hearing: What It Is and How It Works

Have you ever been in a situation and felt frustrated when it seems as though someone has only heard bits and pieces of your conversation? At times it could feel as though you are being ignored and unheard by a friend, family member, or even a coworker. Does it make you wonder if they are purposely ignoring you? Or could it just be a case of selective hearing. Understanding selective hearing can help you determine if hearing loss could be the underlying issue.

In this blog we explore what selective hearing is, how it works, and when it might be time to consult a hearing health professional. 

What Is Selective Hearing?

Selective hearing, also known as selective auditory attention, is your brains way of focusing on certain sounds while filtering out and ignoring others. As frustrating as this can seem at times, it is a natural function that most don’t even realize is taking place. Imagine yourself at a busy gathering: most of the time, you are able to carry on and hold a conversation with a friend while barely noticing the background noise. This impressive ability of our brains helps us to navigate and process sounds in noisy environments.

Most of the time, you’ll hear the term “selective hearing” used negatively. It’s often used as a way to tell someone they are ignoring you or purposely tuning you out. However, what could seem like selective hearing is normally just a natural way your brain will process sound. Understanding how selective hearing works and recognizing that this is an automatic function can lead to better communication and stronger relationships.

How Does It Work?

When you’re carrying on a conversation with someone in a noisy environment, your brain is still aware of background noise but it’s able to prioritize and filter out information that’s important to you or what you are focusing on. Imagine how overwhelming it could become if we didn’t have this built-in system.

Our brain is constantly taking in multiple sounds at once, so selective hearing acts as a natural filter and helps us manage these noises so we’re able to focus on what matters most.

You’re also more likely to concentrate on something and tune in to something that captures your interest. So if a conversation interests you it’s easier to stay engaged, even in a noisy setting.

Factors Influencing Selective Hearing

There are several things that can influence what we focus on when listening:

• Distance: Closer sounds are normally easier to hear and pay attention to.

• Background Noise: The more background noise conversations happening around you, the harder it is to concentrate on a single conversation. 

• Interest Level: If you find a topic interesting you’re more likely to focus on it and tune out other distractions – from a distance or when there is external noise.

• Vision: Being able to see someone when they are speaking could help you listen more effectively. 

Is Selective Hearing a Hearing Disorder?

Selective hearing is not classified as a hearing disorder and does not mean there’s a problem with your hearing. Instead, it’s a natural way our brains manage and filter sounds. 

When to Consult an Audiologist

Understanding selective hearing and how it works can enhance communication and reduce frustration in daily interactions. It’s a natural part of how we process sound and navigate with our surroundings. If you have any concerns about your hearing, don’t hesitate to reach out to a hearing healthcare professional for guidance. 

However, if you suspect that your difficulties in hearing could be due to hearing loss, it’s essential to consult with a hearing professional. A qualified audiologist can help determine if there is an underlying issue and recommend appropriate next steps. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out—call us at 1-888-811-9799 or book an appointment to discuss your hearing health today.