Most of us were never taught to listen. We were taught to wait.

My work focuses on bridging the gap between what we know from research and what actually happens in school classrooms, boardrooms, open-plan home living, and virtual connections. The people who struggle most in meetings often have perfectly normal hearing.

Why?

Because they may have had a hearing test and was told that they do not have a hearing loss and that they have ‘selective hearing’ and to come back for another test in a few years time.

As an audiologist with a love of anatomy, acoustics and learning about the psychology of how we communicate and connect, I am privy to how listening difficulties can quietly undermine confidence, collaboration, and career momentum. I am passionate about increasing awareness of auditory processing disorders and listening skills and helping people improve their situation.

Many audiology clinics now are starting to assess listening skills - not just uncovering the softest level that a person can hear - but assessing how quickly a person can respond to instructions, hold on to multi-step directions in their auditory memory and ‘fill in the gaps’ when speech is not clear, distant or masked over the sound of other people speaking at a networking event.

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, effective listening isn’t just a ‘soft skill’, it’s a strategic advantage.

Yet, many professionals who struggle to keep up in meetings or miss key details have never considered that their listening challenges might be due to more than just a matter of needing to ‘pay more attention’.

FUN FACT: did you know that children who have listening difficulties grow up to be adults who have listening difficulties….

As an audiologist with other 20 years experience, I see how listening difficulties can quietly undermine confidence, collaboration, and career momentum even when a standard hearing test shows ‘normal’ results and that is why I want to share my tips for building better connections that you can start using now.

Tip 1: Listen with Intent, Not Just to Respond

Effective listening starts with a genuine focus on understanding the speaker’s message, before you formulate your reply. Practise active listening by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and other signs of engagement. This approach builds trust and demonstrates respect for the other person’s perspective. People say more when they feel heard, and what they say next is usually the useful part.

Tip 2: Create Environments that Support Listening

Reduce background noise and eliminate distractions during conversations. This is especially important for colleagues who may experience listening difficulties, even if their hearing is ‘normal’. A quieter, focused environment encourages open dialogue and better comprehension for everyone. Some of your colleagues are working twice as hard as you are just to follow the sentence, and you'd never know it by looking at them.

Tip 3: Use Clear, Inclusive Language

Choose words and phrasing that are accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or role. Avoid jargon unless you explain it, and check for understanding by paraphrasing or inviting clarifying questions. This ensures your message lands as intended and everyone feels included. That puts the responsibility on you, not them, which is where it belongs.

Tip 4: Be Present and Minimise Multitasking

Give your full attention to the person you’re engaging with. Presence signals that you value the interaction and helps foster genuine connection. Avoid multitasking as listening is most effective when it’s your primary focus. If you genuinely can't give your attention, say so and offer another time. That's more respectful than pretending.

Tip 5: Encourage Two-Way Dialogue

Invite questions and feedback. After the speaker has finished, paraphrase what you’ve heard to confirm understanding, and offer constructive feedback when appropriate. Meaningful connections are built when both parties feel heard and valued. What I have started to do and have found useful is say ‘so what I'm hearing is ...’ - it feels awkward the first few times but it also catches any misunderstandings before they turn into problems.

Tip 6: Adapt Your Communication Style

Recognise that people process information differently. Some need it slower. Some need it in writing afterwards. Some need the video call instead of the phone call so they can see your face. Ask what works for them rather than assuming your way is the default. Make adjustments that work for both you and them. Being flexible in your approach helps ensure everyone can engage fully.

What would you add?

Check out a simplified version of these tips in Arches Audiology YouTube Channel here.