In classrooms, students spend a large portion of their time listening. Yet, factors like mild hearing issues, background noise, and distractions can impact their learning, particularly for English Language Learners (ELLs). With the shift in education post-pandemic, instructional audio’s role in supporting student engagement and performance is evident. In this Learning Counsel article, explore the influence of sound on learning, the challenges ELLs face, and the benefits of instructional audio systems. Merri Bragg, audiologist and Director of Education Partnerships, East, shares her insights.