The Hearing…Listening Test
Sound familiar?
Turns out, that line isn’t just the start of a domestic debate — it’s also a surprisingly effective referral strategy for certain High-Street hearing test providers. True story.
But before you book an audiology appointment for your colleagues, your partner, or your boss... consider this: Maybe their hearing is fine.
Maybe it’s their listening that needs a full MOT.
So how do you spot a good listener?
Here’s a handy checklist — because who doesn’t love a Top 10 list?
10 Signs Someone Is Actually Listening (and not just pretending while thinking about lunch):
Body language – Are they facing you? Not fidgeting like they’re hiding a squirrel in their coat?
Eye contact – Looking at you, not their phone, shoes, or the existential void.
Not talking – Revolutionary, I know.
Asking the right questions – Ones that make sense and don’t involve “Wait, who are you again?”
Soundcheck – “So what you’re saying is…” – golden phrase alert!
Verbal prompts – “Yep.” “I get it.” “Tell me more.” = green flags.
Physical prompts – Nods, smiles, even the occasional shocked gasp if the story warrants it.
Silence – Yes, it’s a thing. A powerful, non-awkward one (sometimes).
Suspending judgement – No raised eyebrows or judgey face while you’re talking.
Not interrupting – Bonus points if they wait past the pause to reply thoughtfully.
Next time you're in a conversation, mentally score the other person out of 10.
If it’s less than 3, gently let them know.
(But don’t worry — they probably weren’t listening anyway.)
