​

Definition of Listening:

Hearing is a passive process, just having the ears take in sound. You don't have to pay attention to "hear". "Listening", however, is an active process and involves the brain to interpret sound. Hearing and listening are two totally different processes. Most people can "hear". But not everyone can "listen". We are in the pursuit of "good listening". It is a specialized form of "hearing". But how we listen begins in-utero.

 

 

We cannot “see” listening. The only way to “get at it” is indirectly – through skills that are related to it in one way or another. This checklist offers a catalog of abilities, skills or qualities that will enable you to assess whether you or your child has a listening problem.

 

Developmental History:

This knowledge is extremely important in early identification and prevention of listening problems. It also sheds light on the possible causes.

​

• a stressful pregnancy.

• difficult birth.

• adoption.

• early separation from the mother.

• delay in motor development.

• recurring ear infections

 

Receptive Listening:

This is the listening that is directed outward. It keeps us attuned to the world around us, to what’s going on at home, at work or in the classroom. 

​

• short attention span.

• distractibility.

• oversensitivity to sounds.

• misinterpretation of questions.

• confusion of similar sounding words.

• frequent need of repetition.

• inability to follow sequential instructions

 

Motor Skills:

The ear of the body, which controls balance, co-ordination and body image, also needs close attention.
 

• poor posture.

• fidgety behavior.

• clumsy, uncoordinated movement.

• poor sense of rhythm.

• messy handwriting.

• hard time with organization, structure

 

The Level of Energy:

The ear acts as a dynamo, providing us with the energy we need to survive and lead fulfilling lives. 
difficulty getting up.

 

• difficulty getting up.

• tiredness at the end of the day.

• habit of procrastinating.

• hyperactivity.

• tendency toward depression.

• feeling overburdened with everyday tasks

 

Expressive Listening:

This is listening that is directed within. We use it to control our voice when we speak and sing. 

 

• flat and monotonous voice.

• hesitant speech.

• weak vocabulary.

• poor sentence structure.

• overuse of stereotyped expressions.

• inability to sing in tune.

• confusion or reversal of letters.

• poor reading comprehension.

• poor reading aloud.

• poor spelling

 

Behavioral and Social Adjustment:

A listening difficulty is often related to these: 

 

• low tolerance or frustration.

• poor self-confidence.

• poor self-image.

• shyness.

• difficulty making friends.

​

Now that you know the signs of a listening problem, and if your child shows any of these signs, learn more about the frequencies of sound holding your child back.

 

 

 

Listening Checklist adapted from Appendix B, When Listening Comes Alive, Paul Madaule, Norval , Ontario , Moulin Publishing, 1993, pp 191-192.