What is the difference between listening and hearing?

Listening is defined as an active process that involves interpreting and responding to verbal and non-verbal messages from a speaker. It requires full attention, concentration, and engagement with the speaker’s message. This process entails not only decoding the words being said but also engaging with the content, providing feedback, and reflecting on the information shared.

On the other hand, hearing is a passive sensory activity that involves perceiving sounds through the ear. It does not necessarily require mental engagement or comprehension of the message being conveyed. While you may hear sounds in your environment, you may not be actively processing or understanding them unless you intentionally focus on them.

Thus, the distinction lies in the level of engagement required—listening necessitates involvement and response, while hearing does not demand such active participation.