Difference between Hearing and Listening | Listening Ears

What is Hearing?

 

Hearing is when sound waves enter your ears. It’s like catching a ball – your ears catch the sounds around you.

  • Hearing just happens on its own
  • You don’t have to try to hear – it’s automatic
  • It’s one of your five senses (along with seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling)
  • You hear all sorts of sounds all day long, even when you’re not paying attention
  • Hearing happens in your ears only

What is Listening?

 

Listening is when you pay attention to what you hear and try to understand it. It’s like not just catching the ball, but figuring out what game you’re playing!

  • Listening takes effort and concentration
  • You choose to listen – it doesn’t just happen on its own
  • Your brain works hard to understand the meaning of the sounds
  • Listening uses your ears PLUS your brain and sometimes other senses too
  • You might watch someone’s face or gestures to help you listen better

Big Differences Between Hearing and Listening

 

Hearing

Listening

Happens without trying Takes concentration
Just physical (ears only) Mental and physical (ears + brain)
Happens automatically Is a choice you make
Doesn’t require thinking Requires thinking and understanding
You can hear without listening You can’t listen without hearing first

Why Listening Matters

 

Listening helps you:

  • Learn new things
  • Understand what people are telling you
  • Build better friendships
  • Know what’s happening around you
  • Follow directions correctly

Take Care of Your Ears!

 

Remember: You need good hearing to be able to listen well. Take care of your ears by:

  • Not listening to music too loud
  • Wearing ear protection in noisy places
  • Telling a grown-up if sounds seem too quiet or muffled

When you listen well (not just hear), you can learn more and make better connections with other people!

References: Online