What is the difference between hearing and listening?

I hear birds chirping, a dog barking, and the geese honking. I don't pay attention and don't remember.

I listen to what people say, and I listen to music. I pay attention when I listen and remember.

Boiled down, in every communication, there is a sender, a message and a receiver. Listening is an active thing. Hearing is passive. I just heard my air-conditioner click on while I was typing this. Had it not been on and I got up to lower the thermostat, I might listen to see if it would go on.

The difference between hearing and listening lies in the level of attention and comprehension. Hearing refers to the ability to detect and perceive sounds through the ears. It is a passive process that occurs naturally. On the other hand, listening is an active and conscious process that involves paying attention to the sounds one hears and making an effort to understand and interpret them.

To understand the difference more clearly, let's explore how you can distinguish between the two:

1. Attention: Hearing requires minimal attention, as it is an automatic process. However, listening requires focused attention and concentration on the sounds being heard.

2. Understanding: While hearing allows you to capture sounds, listening involves comprehending and making sense of those sounds. It involves processing the information, analyzing it, and extracting meaning from it.

3. Engagement: Hearing can occur even without any intention or interest, while listening involves active engagement. It requires a conscious effort to pay attention and actively process the information being received.

4. Retention: Hearing is often temporary and fleeting, as the sounds come and go without much thought. In contrast, listening involves remembering and retaining the information obtained, as it requires cognitive processing and understanding.

To become a better listener, there are a few techniques you can practice:

1. Remove distractions: Minimize external distractions, such as turning off the TV or putting away your phone, to create a conducive environment for active listening.

2. Focus on the speaker: Direct your attention to the person or source of sound, make eye contact, and show interest through non-verbal cues.

3. Practice empathy: Try to understand the perspective and feelings of the speaker. Empathy enhances listening skills and helps build stronger connections.

4. Avoid interrupting: Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting can disrupt the flow of communication and hinder your understanding.

5. Take notes: Jotting down key points or summaries can help you retain information and reinforce your listening skills.

By actively practicing these techniques and being present in the moment, you can improve your listening abilities and enhance your communication skills.