[enobrev]

I started to have the same issue about 10 years ago. Suddenly bars and crowded places became far less enjoyable for me because I had such a hard time keeping up with conversations. I had my hearing checked and while it wasn't perfect, it was just normal for my age.

I remember reading that it had to do with how I processed language and sounds, and that there was no real cure yet as a few years ago.

The last couple years has made it far less of a problem but as we start to return to normal (eventually) I'd love to figure it out. I tend to feel bad sitting through a conversation where I'm only hearing about a third of what others are saying.

[JoeyJoJoJr]

Last year I became aware of how much difficulty I have processing speech. I think this is something I have always had. I could never understand lyrics in music, have trouble following discussions in meetings, and struggle understanding people with accents. I wonder if I have learned to just respond instinctively to “vibes” instead of actually properly processing the content of what is being said.

I suspect it is largely anxiety related. I’ve had moments where lyrics are crystal clear, after smoking weed, so I don’t think it is a hearing thing.

[davidandgoliath]

Not a doctor, but you can take audio/visual processing tests to get a better idea of what's going on. I took one during a barrage of ADHD related tests, it was interesting to say the least.

It could very much have an anxiety or ADHD element to it.

[enobrev]

I feel like I'd been ok, previously. I've spent a lot of time in loud places for most of my life. It's definitely possible that I simply didn't recognize the issue.

Interesting point about music. I'm terrible at remembering the words to songs, but just fine with melody and rhythm.