There are many possible causes why people have problems to track relevant information in a conversation.

Possible causes could be:

• hearing problems / tinnitus / hyperacusis
• lack of concentration due to sleep problems
• chronic worrying about problems (e.g. work related problems)
• depressive symptoms
• daydreaming
• low interest in the topic of conversation

Try to find out what might contribute to your problem. Some people have severe problems in group settings due to social anxiety or fears. This might cause high tension and reduced ability to focus on conversation.

If you have a history of attention problems, distractibility and / or hyperactive symptoms (or children with these problems) you should also consider a residual form of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).