What distinguishes listening from merely hearing?

Listening is distinguished from merely hearing by the requirement of emotional engagement. When a person listens, they actively process and interpret the information being communicated, which often involves paying attention, understanding the context, and responding appropriately. This engagement goes beyond the simple perception of sound, allowing for a deeper connection with the speaker and the message they are conveying.

Hearing, on the other hand, is a physiological process that happens when sound waves hit the eardrum and are transmitted to the brain. It does not necessarily involve understanding or processing the information, nor does it require the listener's active participation or emotional involvement. Thus, the emphasis on emotional engagement as a hallmark of listening sets it apart from the passive act of hearing.