The phone thing has been an issue for me as well. I've worked in a call center, which was difficult but better than where I am now, and have had to listen to the customer while not 'listening' to the others around me. As a child, I learned auditory focus. Similar to tunnel vision only with hearing. It takes practice and even now it still takes concentration. One thing I've been able to do is focus my hearing to a conversation taking place out of hearing range (for normal hearers) and relaying it to someone I'm talking to. Neat party trick and opens the door to help explain SPD to others.