I seem to be really good at ignoring noises around me, when I'm concentrating. I've found that if I try to listen to a book and work around the house, I will not only miss big chunks of the story, but I will also forget that I'm listening and will leave the room without either pausing or stopping my player. So I limit my audiobook listening to those times when I am focusing on one task (driving) and will not be distracted away from it. Around the house I listen to either music or certain radio-based podcasts where my wandering attention will not adversely affect my enjoyment of it.
(I must note that my commute is purposely "open road" with little traffic and few stop signs/intersections where I need to make decisions. It is a little longer than the expressway, but much more enjoyable without the commotion of too many other cars and lights. I can easily return back to the story during those few seconds when my attention is focused on potential interruptions.)
I guess I don't get "exhausted" from listening because I am able to close out so much of it when my attention is focused elsewhere.
