It relates to how one tunes into conversations initially (4)
I believe the answer is:
otic
'it relates to' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun but the answer is not.
'one tunes into conversations initially' is the wordplay.
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letters of 'one tunes into conversations' is 'OTIC'.
'how' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for otic that I've seen before include "of lugs" , "about hearing" , "relating to area incorporating canal" , "organ" , "Relating to the ear" .)