I tend to sing with my hand cupped over my ear – even in a quiet singaround. By doing that I can hear what I'm singing better and, more importantly for me, lose myself in the song. I don't sing to give performances and I certainly don't expect anyone to gain anything valuable by looking at me while I'm singing, whether with my hand over my ear or not. If it helps me to do more justice to the song, then I'll keep on.

I usually also sing with my eyes closed for the same reason and would suggest that my audience adopt at least one of these "affectations" of mine the better to survive me!