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| Difference between Listening and Hearing, Effective Listening |
There are differences between “hearing” and “listening.” Hearing and listening are not synonymous.
Hearing is “the process by which sound waves are received on the ear; it
is the sense by which sound is perceived.” We hear the ambient sounds
that surround us without really paying any attention to the fan on the
computer or the air conditioning or the ticking of the clock. On the
other hand, listening is the act of interpreting and evaluating what is
being said; it is an active activity that involves receiving,
deciphering, and perceiving a message with intent to respond. Hearing
is passive, whereas listening should be active. Keith Davis comments,
“Hearing is with the ears; listening is with the mind.”
In Chinese calligraphy, the character for “listen” consists of pictures
of the ear, the eye, and the heart, illustrated in this way:
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| Listening Skills |
The discussion regarding hearing and listening also brought to mind that
listening is an art that is perfected over time by conscious,
consistent effort to improve.
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