Hearing is a natural ability of a person and an involuntary process where the brain automatically responds to the sound that goes on in the surroundings, and it needs no effort. This is a physiological process where the vibrations produced by sounds reach the eardrums. Hearing does not require concentration, and we do not have any control over any sounds which we hear. Listening, on the other hand, is a voluntary, diligent and a purposeful action done by a person. This is the process of paying thoughtful attention and giving consideration to the sounds or spoken words. Listening is where we set aside ourselves and be mindful of other’s words.
For example, while standing on a railway platform, we happen to hear different sounds like the coming of the train, birds chirping, a baby crying and the porters yelling. These sounds come to us automatically, and we don’t pay effort to listen to them, this is called hearing. On the other hand, amidst various noises, we pay a conscious effort to the announcement made about the train which we are to board. Thus, listening is a conscious psychological process.
