Aural-insensitive

An individual or system described as 'aural-insensitive' exhibits a diminished or absent responsiveness to auditory stimuli, demonstrating either a lack of awareness of sounds, a reduced ability to differentiate between them, or an indifference to their impact. This insensitivity can stem from various factors, including physiological conditions like hearing loss, psychological states that filter out auditory input, or technological designs prioritizing other sensory modalities. The term emphasizes a disregard for the informational, emotional, or functional aspects of sounds in a specific context.

Aural-insensitive meaning with examples

• The outdated security system, sadly aural-insensitive, failed to detect the intruder’s footsteps. The engineers prioritized visual surveillance, neglecting the vital role that sound could play in early warning. This oversight led to critical delays in response and compromised overall security. The system’s limitations highlighted a fundamental flaw in its design, placing undue reliance on sight.
• John's colleagues found him to be aural-insensitive during meetings, as he often interrupted with no acknowledgment of others speaking. He seemed focused only on his own points, ignoring the flow of conversation. His lack of listening created a strained atmosphere, impeding collaboration and frustrating those trying to engage effectively in the discussion. This poor communication made teamwork difficult.
• Despite the vibrant soundscape of the marketplace, the exhibit showcasing ancient artifacts was aural-insensitive; information boards offered limited audio components or descriptions. The museum prioritised visual engagement, leaving a significant portion of the visitor experience untapped, therefore creating missed opportunities for storytelling and deeper appreciation of the historical items.
• The noise-canceling headphones, initially advertised as a solution, turned out to be quite aural-insensitive because they filtered out only select types of low-frequency noise, while still letting more distracting sounds through. The design failed to consider a wide range of auditory stimuli in office settings, causing discomfort for some users. The result was an oversimplification of a complex technical challenge.
• Following the operation, the patient was deemed aural-insensitive to certain higher frequencies because of nerve damage. He couldn’t distinguish music notes accurately, making his favourite hobby much less enjoyable and affecting his capacity to take pleasure in certain aspects of his daily routine, requiring adjustment to his lifestyle to accommodate these changes.