Empathetic Listening

I had the opportunity to complete Starky’s "Hearing Loss Simulator" for an assignment on empathy. I listened to the “Crowd” activity and was surprised by the difference between the different levels of hearing loss. This activity plays a sound clip of a conversation experienced with different levels of hearing loss. What surprised me most was not how each clip sounded individually, rather, how they sounded in comparison to one another. 

When I first listened to the severe hearing loss, everything sounded muddled. I was able to make out about half of the words but it took a significant amount of effort to pay attention. I was overwhelmed with how the background noise overtook the conversation. While this was just an exercise there are people living with this daily and can only make out half of important conversations. While I felt frustrated, I am sure that would increase more if I was in a context where the conversation had lasting effects. This really helped me to look at the perspective of those who struggle with hearing difficulties. 

There was a huge jump in my understanding from severe to moderate. While listening I was able to make out most of the words in context. At first I did not think it was that bad. This perspective changed after listening to the mild and normal. I was shocked with the difference in clarity. When the hearing loss was higher I felt very tense while transcribing as it took so much effort to make out the words but was able to relax more as the hearing quality improved. This exercise made me think that there are people who are most likely dealing with hearing loss and do not realize how much better it could be. 

While this was “just an exercise” for me it showed me the importance of understanding how others feel on a daily basis and always showing empathy. The amount of effort that some people need to get through life is shocking. Whether it is hearing loss, a mental health issue, or other “invisible” barriers, we do not know what struggles others are facing. It is important that we take the time to pause and truly listen to what others say about their experience. If you don’t take the time to pause and ask, you may never know. Just because you cannot see someone’s struggles does not mean they are not there. We can only make this world a better place by approaching others with empathy and being there to support others through the obstacles life throws their way. 

Click Here to try the simulator!