Updated: Aug 31
The Art of Listening: How Sound and Silence Influence Our Productivity
Today we continue our exploration of Denslow Brown’s Processing Modalities. If you need a refresher on this concept, read my previous post Discover Your Unique Modalities and How They Shape Your Perception. Today we look at the auditory modality. Brown states “This modality, the act of hearing, is experienced through the ears, the brain’s auditory processing center, and the language areas of the brain.”
AUDITORY: Hearing
I recently bought some noise-canceling headphones. I wear them at home while doing chores or writing. Wearing them creates a different headspace for me, one in which the world seems to retreat and I can focus on the task at hand. When I take them off, I notice that the sudden burst of noise from the outside world is overwhelming. Sound and silence can be so powerful.
My husband and daughter live in a world defined by music. They are constantly listening to it, interacting with it, and sharing it. My husband plays the guitar and my daughter is always making a new Spotify playlist. Enjoying music is an integral part of who they are and this strength is an example of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Strength Continuum, which can range from weak to tolerant to gifted.
Brown explains that in addition to our modality preferences, we have varying strengths with each modality, ranging from weak to competent to gifted.
I also enjoy listening to quiet music when I work, but it can't have any lyrics. If someone turns on the TV or talk radio in the room next door, my brain just shuts down. It's incredible how paralyzing it is for me! This is an example of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Sensitivity Continuum, which can range from Hyposensitive (oblivious) to competent to Hypersensitive (very aware). My high sensitivity in the audio modality isn't always easy for my music-loving family members, but we work it out.
We have varying sensitivities across different modalities ranging from hyposensitive (unaware) to tolerant to hypersensitive (very aware).
Think about how your auditory strengths and sensitivities influence your productivity. Does the sound or silence in your workspace support your productivity? Are there auditory distractions (a loud co-worker) or sources of inspiration (twittering birds)? Is there a change you can make to create a more supportive environment for yourself?
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