It was low and they had to strain their ears to hear.

He strained his ears to make out what they were saying.

The old man strained his ears, but he could hear nothing.

He strained his ears to hear what they were saying.

The three boys strained their ears, and felt sure that the men had gone.

I strained my ears, but no further sound fell upon them.

There was an answer I strained my ears to hear.

She strained her ears, but still didn't hear a sound.

Anyone straining their ears up there will hear me coming.

I had to strain my ears to catch what she was saying.