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Which ear should I listen with?

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Spengler

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I tend to listen to LTB podcasts when I'm walking around at work. I can only listen with one ear because I need to be able to hear whatever else is going on around me?
My favourite podcasts are the ones which go into more detail on a subject and therefore required greater concentration.

Is there any evidence showing that using a particular ear results in more effective understanding or retention of information than the other?

Posted on May 17, 2014 at 5:12 PM

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• adam

  

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  Location: California, USA

  One imagines it would vary from brain to brain, we all have different predelictions and preferences.  We make a point of putting out a mono show, so whichever ear you listen on you'll be getting exactly the same audio.  

  Posted on May 18, 2014 at 5:33 PM
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• deweller

  

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  The left brain is the center of more logical, analytical, and objective thinking.  While the right brain controls more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective processing.
  

  Your right ear is connected with the left side of your brain and vice versa.

  So...  Feeling analytical and want to focus on the details?  Then use your right ear.  Want to approach it intuitively and imaginatively?  Then try the left ear.
  Posted on May 21, 2014 at 1:59 AM
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• Spengler

  

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  Thank you both for your input. It's certainly convenient for me that shows are put out in mono.
  I'll try using my left ear for a bit to see if it makes any discernible difference from using my usual right ear.
  

  Posted on May 22, 2014 at 7:31 PM
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• page

  

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  There's some stuff here about it -
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocktail_party_effect#Broadbent
  
  The BBC has a podcast about it with the same name "The cocktail party effect"
  
  
  

  Posted on May 25, 2014 at 6:20 PM
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• BitNomadic

  

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  I would suggest the ear with the least wax build up.

  Posted on June 29, 2014 at 5:07 PM
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• Spengler

  

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  @bitnomadic I would suggest the ear with the least wax build up.

  Pardon? :0)

  Posted on July 16, 2014 at 12:26 PM
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• cracker

  

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  Location: Ritz HQ

  I never really thought about it. I usually do the right ear. Probably just an old habit from riding my bike. I don't ride a bike much anymore, but when I did, I would keep the headphone in the right ear so I could hear the traffic better.

  I think I will switch it up and use the left ear today. I'll report back if I notice anything crazy!

  Posted on August 22, 2014 at 8:37 PM
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• page

  

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  Here is the podcast I mentioned

  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01gvkw7

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichotic_listening

  I don't actually really remember what is in the podcast now. But, I am listening again now.

  Posted on August 24, 2014 at 7:16 AM
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• BittBurger

  

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  @spengler Thank you both for your input. It's certainly convenient for me that shows are put out in mono.I'll try using my left ear for a bit to see if it makes any discernible difference from using my usual right ear.

  Have a look into Radiolab Podcast - Episode titled 9 Volt Nirvana as well. Make yourself listen to the end. Its utterly fascinating ...

  -B-

  Posted on September 8, 2014 at 5:25 PM
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• Rob

  

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  In contrast to Adam's show, my show is stereo. But I try to keep the mix centered enough so you can listen with either ear.

  I've tried mixing down to mono, expecting to get a smaller file size, and I did not. Perhaps I didn't do something right.

  Posted on April 15, 2015 at 7:27 PM
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