How does the brain act as a filter?
Those with typically developed sensory systems can carry on a conversation at work with another person even though there may be fire sirens outside and a heater running in the background. Our brains automatically filter out these other noises so that we can listen and talk. We can also tune out the unimportant auditory input in different situations such as the grocery store, the mall, or at home. Those with sensory problems may not be able to filter out those extra noises. Because they pay attention to the irrelevant sounds, they are unable to focus on a conversation under those conditions, or they may follow a conversation with someone at home but be too distractible in other situations.
