We do a lot of talking around here about better hearing — but what about better listening? Communication is a two-way street, remember?
Here at Starkey, we strive to provide people with the best hearing devices so they are able to hear to the best of their ability. One thing we aren’t able to manufacture, though, is a device for being a better listener. Hearing is a sense. Listening is a skill. We are so immersed in our noisy world, that sometimes we forget how to be a focused listener. We tune out so much of the world around us out of necessity (or our brains would be on constant overload), that sometimes we forget to listen to what’s really important.
Let’s talk about resetting our listening skills.
Being a good listener is a compilation of several skills:
- Paying attention to someone
- Making eye contact with that person
- Avoiding surrounding distractions
- Not thinking about something else while engaging in conversation
- And attentive body language
Why good listening skills are important
These factors are important for several reasons. First and most importantly, they let the person you’re engaging with know you are interested in what they are saying. Secondly, creating a mutually beneficial engagement is more fulfilling for both parties. Nobody wants to talk and not be heard, and nobody wants to listen to someone who seems half interested in their company.
Finally, it’s important to practice these good listening habits so they become consistent and instinctual. So, after you get your hearing aids situated into your ears in the morning, be sure to give yourself a little pep talk on prioritizing your listening skills, as well.
You won’t regret forming these helpful habits to make every interaction even more meaningful.