There is a difference between hearing and listening (writes Dave Dando). Hearing is simply the act of perceiving sound by the ear and simply happens. Listening requires concentration so that our brain processes meaning from words and sentences. Most people tend to be hard of listening rather than hard of hearing. They filter out sounds of no interest, or in conversation focus on what to say next instead of listening to what the other person is saying. A useful communication tool is to repeat back to the other person what they have said. It convinces them that you are paying attention.

But sometimes the physical dimension of the sound striking the ear is an issue. Many teachers have mistaken a lack of actual hearing with limited understanding. You may give a highly skilled presentation but there is going to be a problem if someone cannot actually hear you.

Narberth U3A has recently been awarded a grant by the Lottery-funded 'Awards for All'. This enabled us to purchase amplification equipment including radio microphones, speakers, mixing control, and audio loop.

Listening is not really a problem for the U3A who are extremely attentive to whoever is speaking. Now a greater number can concentrate their energies on processing the detail instead of trying to hear the sound. There is always the possibility that it may result in less exhortations to speak up, and more to shut up!

The Narberth U3A will be holding its next general meeting on Saturday, September 12, at 10 am in the lounge of Williams Court, Northfield Road in Narberth (with parking in the Bloomfield Centre).

If you are retired from full-time employment, and now have time to take an interest in any of the following: art, music, bridge, geology, history, poetry, novels, tai chi, walking, natural history, gardening, mah-jong, discussing topical subjects, or luncheon club, then attend this meeting or telephone 862964 or 860152 for more information.