I have the opposite problem. I can totally switch off the part dealing with someone speaking to me, but then have to make them repeat when they do speak to me,

I have the opposite problem. I can totally switch off the part dealing with someone speaking to me, but then have to make them repeat when they do speak to me, because I didn't listen to it. (Interestingly, in many cases, my mind catches up and decodes what was said the first time before they finish saying it again)