Is hearing same as listening?

it depends. if i am interested in it, i listen. if i dont have any interest, like a boring class in school, i just hear the words and daydream or not listen...my mind is somewhere else to something more interesting.

I absolutely agree with you. We all hear things or what is being said, but many of us do not LISTEN to what is being said. We don't focus on it, absorb it, etc. I have always been a great listener.

Well, anyone can hear things. In fact, its that sense which we can't really cease on functioning. We can close our eyes so that we cannot see, cover our mouth and nose so that we can't breath and/or smell, or avoid any physical contact with anything to avoid stimulating our sense of touch. Hearing is something ongoing so to speak but, to actually listen implies on utilizing the capability to hear with the intention of comprehending whichever it is that is being heard or, so to say, listened to. In another perspective, like in relationships, one might complain that their partners would always mention things that they complain about. Too much that it becomes annoying and 'causes problems for the couple. Hearing more of it and saying that one has heard enough of such complaints but, never taking the time to listen to figure out how such complaints are manifest themselves and later on, figure out something to solve if not agree to compromise.. Have a nice day (^_^ )

I totally agree with you. Hearing is simply hearing something in a rote manner without taking to heart what is being said and thinking about it and then applying it and making it relative to your life. Listening is actually taking those words in on a conscious level and applying them to some kind of reality in your life (or, conversely, rejecting those words on the same basis) and taking to heart, therefore putting meaning and substance to the words. Most often I try to listen, but, if I end up just hearing the words it's usually because I don't have much respect for that person and/or they are usually known for just spouting out words that don't mean much anyway. With people that I really listen to, it's because I respect that person and they normally say things of substance. Have a great day and an even better one tomorrow! Purrs, Catwoman=^..^= & Mija

no i don't think that they are same..there is a minute difference between them..hearing is simply an action either it involves involvement or not..but listening is paying full attention to the speaker..

I hear noise. I have a low noise threshold and very easily polluted by it. It affects me deeply. But I love listening to certain sounds; loved ones laughing, beautiful music or even the heart wrenching sobs of one in pain. When you listen you hear more than sound. You feel and understand.

after thinking a little time ... i think you are right, hearing means you only hear and no givin care for it, but listening means you pay attention for the things you hear lol