We often use the words “hear” and “listen” equally, but there is a big difference between the two. Learning skills like “active listening” can be very helpful for people who work in customer service, both at work and in their personal lives. In this post, we’ll look at the 5 differences between hearing and listening.
What is Hearing
Hearing is just the process of being able to pick up sounds with your ears. Your ears pick up sounds and send them to your brain, which then figures out what the sounds are, like talking or music. Hearing can happen in a very short time.
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For example, you might hear your name called without even looking up from what you’re doing. When you wake up in the morning, you might hear the birds singing outside your window. Or, if you’re in a busy room, you might hear people talking and laughing but not be able to tell what they’re saying. You can hear the sound in each of these situations, but that doesn’t mean you are listening to it.
What Is Listening
Listening, unlike hearing, is an active process that requires you to pay attention to what you hear and give your full attention to the person or people who are talking. It also means understanding what you’re hearing and figuring out how to react to it. This means being able to block out noises and other sounds that get in the way of what you want to hear.
For instance, if your name is called in a busy room, you should be able to stop what you’re doing and pay attention to the person who is talking to you. You can listen to music nearby to drown out the TV in the next room.
If someone is telling you about a big problem or important issue, listening helps you understand what they are trying to say so you can help them.
Hearing and Listening’s Importance to Mental Wellness
Importance of Hearing for Mental Wellness
The ability to hear is crucial for getting around in the world. Hearing loss can have serious psychological consequences, including increased aggression, isolation, distorted self-worth, and melancholy.2
Remember that there are ways to listen without hearing, such as through the use of sign language and the careful observation of body language. If your hearing loss has caused you depression or adjustment problems, you may benefit from speaking with a mental health professional.
Importance of Listing for Mental Wellness
As social beings, we fundamentally desire to be accepted and included. Listening fosters interest in others’ lives, which in turn leads to more curiosity, empathy, and connection.
Your sense of community and belonging can suffer if you are not being heard or are not giving them your full attention. You can definitely recall a time when you felt like you weren’t being listened to and how that made you feel. Those emotions and the isolation and guilt they triggered may have led you to seek out isolation.
Hearing Vs Listening
In conclusion, hearing and listening are two distinct concepts often used interchangeably. Understanding the differences between hearing and listening can help us become better communicators and improve our relationships with others.
