What is the cocktail party effect?

The "cocktail party effect" refers to our ability to focus on a specific auditory input, such as a conversation, amidst a chaotic background, like loud music or multiple people talking. This phenomenon allows us to create a focused "cone of auditory attention" to filter out unwanted noises and concentrate on the sounds we deem most relevant. It is a demanding cognitive process, consuming significant brain energy and often leaving us feeling exhausted after events where we use it extensively, such as parties or crowded gatherings 1.