As the curtains part on the premiere episode of "The Listeners," Claire (portrayed by Rebecca Hall) voices her disbelief at how her life could disintegrate so utterly. She finds herself haunted by a delicate, seemingly benign hum. That morning, she confides in her husband, Paul (played by Prasanna Puwanarajah), about her sleepless nights. Soon after, Claire and her daughter Ashley (Mia Tharia) step out of the car, only for Claire to be enveloped once more by that persistent, low hum.
In the classroom, Claire engages her students, directing a question towards Mr. Francis, who is engrossed in something playing through his earbuds. He pulls them out, attempting to respond amidst the hum that now crescendos, causing Claire's nose to unexpectedly bleed. Later, she socializes with Cassandra (Franc Ashman), who expresses her own turmoil, while Aldo (Delroy Brown) is approached about composing sermons. Claire, however, harbors no inclination towards attending church. In the kitchen, the hum resurfaces, haunting her once more.
Throughout the day, Claire believes she catches glimpses of the sound, but Paul remains unperturbed, hearing nothing. She rises, surveying her surroundings in search of the source, only to find Ashley equally oblivious to the noise. The rehearsal is no respite; Claire continues to be tormented by the hum, while Rory (Akai Coleman) assures her he hears nothing, and Kyle (Ollie West) remains silent. Determined, Claire embarks on a solo walk, her quest to pinpoint the origin relentless.
Returning home, she gripes to Paul about a new mast, prompting him to suggest a medical check-up. Claire insists the noise emanates from the world around her, not her mind. Despite this, she continues her search. Paul, ever supportive, hands her a pair of headphones, and together they delve into theories about the mysterious hum.
Claire dives into online research, uncovering that others share her plight. Some attribute it to tinnitus, but Claire seeks professional clarity. At the clinic, the audiologist (Anne Hornby) concludes that Claire is hypersensitive to ambient white noise, her focus honed on frequencies typically unnoticed. Claire rejects the notion it stems from anxiety or stress, pushing for further tests and referrals.
At school, an frustrated Claire snaps at Kyle, prompting his abrupt departure. Subsequently, Raina (Romy Kelleher) and her peers dissect Kyle's eccentricities, with Raina defending his character against their sheltered perspectives. Claire's nose bleeds anew, yet she brushes it off, assuring Cass it's nothing serious. Cassandra, understanding but concerned, volunteers to handle the rehearsals alone, allowing Claire to retreat with Ashley to the solace of their home.
Ashley confesses that her mother has been acting strangely of late, her voice tinged with concern. She worries deeply that her mom genuinely needs assistance, yet Claire reassures her that she'll handle the situation. Seeking respite from another sleepless night, Paul opts for a different resting spot. Meanwhile, Claire tosses and turns, haunted by an incessant humming noise. The following morning, she admits to being baffled by the line between reality and illusion, armed with a bottle of medication as she heads to work.
Kyle, arriving early at Claire's classroom, offers an apology for his recent distraction. Claire, empathetic, reciprocates with her own apologies. Kyle reveals that he listens to old-school tunes, like Missy Elliott, to drown out the ever-present hum, a revelation that astounds Claire as she too has been hearing it. In private conversation, they delve deeper into the phenomenon. Kyle initially mistook it for a concussion, causing him distress and misunderstandings among his teachers who suspect him of being under the influence. The hum not only disrupts his focus but also triggers headaches.
Cassandra's abrupt entrance catches them in their intimate discussion. Kyle eagerly seeks another chance to talk, and Claire agrees to meet him at rehearsal. After rehearsal, Kyle lingers, confiding in Claire about how music sometimes offers him escape. He wonders aloud why they are among the only ones affected, producing a map highlighting the proximity of an industrial park. He proposes they investigate, but Claire hesitates, uncomfortable with the idea of meeting him outside school hours. Kyle persists, asking for her number.
At home, Claire receives a message from Kyle, announcing his intention to take noise readings. They meet shortly after, and when students pass by, Claire hurriedly motions for him to hide. Kyle shares fascinating facts about elephant calls inaudible to humans, before leading her to the potential source of the hum. As they take measurements, security interrupts them, forcing them to abandon their quest.
Back at her place, Claire receives a midnight text from Kyle, which she gently reprimands him for, requesting he only contact her in emergencies. Ashley, curious, inquiries about the text, sparking suspicion of an affair that Claire promptly denies.
Later, during the school play, Claire, Kyle, and the others gather to watch. Post-show, Kyle introduces Claire to Siobhan (Niamh McCann). In a hushed conversation, Kyle reveals that others can hear the hum too and possess a unique hearing ability, a topic Claire prefers not to discuss openly. Ashley observes them from afar, her gaze filled with intrigue.
The next day, Claire bids farewell to Ashley, who quickly departs. Claire's path crosses with Kyle again, leading them to a group where they are warmly welcomed by Omar. The narrative unfolds, deepening the mystery of the haunting hum that binds them together.
