BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SEM:3 UNIT:1> LISTENING> Difference between Hearing & Listening

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Introduction 

Hearing and listening are two different processes that involve our ears and brain, but they serve different purposes.

1)Hearing

Automatic Process

Hearing is something that happens automatically. It’s a natural ability that doesn't require effort.

Physical Act

It involves the ears detecting sound waves and sending signals to the brain.

Passive

You don’t have to concentrate to hear; it just happens as long as your ears and brain are working properly.

Background Noise

Hearing includes all sounds around you, like traffic noise, birds chirping, or someone talking in another room.

2)Listening

Active Process

Listening requires your attention and effort. It’s a conscious action.

Mental Act

It involves the brain interpreting and making sense of the sounds you hear.

Engaged

You need to focus and concentrate to listen. It’s not just about hearing the words but understanding the message.

Purposeful

Listening often has a purpose, like following instructions, enjoying music, or having a conversation.

Key Differences

Involvement

Hearing is just about receiving sounds, while listening is about understanding and processing those sounds.

Effort

Hearing happens without effort; listening requires you to pay attention and think about what you hear.

Function

Hearing is a sense, like seeing or smelling. Listening is a skill that involves interpreting and understanding.

Examples

• Hearing: You hear the sound of a car passing by while you’re reading a book. You’re aware of the sound, but you’re not paying attention to it.

• Listening: You listen to your friend telling a story. You focus on their words, understand their meaning, and may respond to them.

Conclusion 

Hearing is the physical act of detecting sound, while listening is the active process of understanding and interpreting those sounds.