{"id":798,"date":"2022-04-21T21:24:24","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T01:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wilmingtonaudiology.com\/?p=798"},"modified":"2022-04-21T21:24:24","modified_gmt":"2022-04-22T01:24:24","slug":"selective-hearing-vs-hearing-loss-how-to-tell-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wilmingtonaudiology.com\/selective-hearing-vs-hearing-loss-how-to-tell-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Selective Hearing vs. Hearing Loss: How to Tell the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the term selective hearing is used, it\u2019s often meant to imply hearing the things we want to hear, while not hearing the things we don\u2019t. For example, we might hear our partner say that dinner is ready, but we don\u2019t hear them when they ask us to help with the dishes.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s common for partners and other loved ones to occasionally not catch what the other said. However, if miscommunications become more frequent, or you find yourself struggling to pick up on parts of conversations, it might be an early sign of hearing loss<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n

\u00a0What is Selective Hearing? \"Couple<\/h2>\n

While selective hearing may have a negative connotation, it actually can be a helpful ability. For example, it allows you to tune out other noises and focus on a specific speaker in a loud environment.<\/p>\n

Research has shown that your goals play a big role in what you listen to and what you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

In one study, researchers played different pitches in each ear simultaneously and asked participants to note changes in either their left or right ear while ignoring the other. MRI scans showed that participants were able to hear the sounds in each ear, however, brain activation differed<\/a> based on what sound they were paying attention to.<\/p>\n

Signs it Might Be Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n

If you didn\u2019t hear something your partner said when you are watching a movie or working on a project, it\u2019s likely your attention was just focused elsewhere. However, if you\u2019re feeling concerned, keep an eye out for some of the early signs of hearing loss, which may include:<\/p>\n