Is it listening, or is it hearing?

Some people say listening is more important than hearing. Others feel that the two words means the same.

Many people whom I've known of have been debating about this for a very long time. But because each of them have a definite meaning of each word, this topic never really came to an end. I didn't really manage to figure out what each word really meant till communications class this week.

Well, we constantly hear sounds all the time and we make noises. Be it talking to friends, listening to music or when we sit in for our lectures, we have to use our ears. When we are concentrating on something, we are actually listening and focusing on the subject itself. Unlike hearing, when we can choose to block out and not focus on these random noises we hear constantly.

Now, these are few points why I feel listening is so important in our lives.

Firstly, listening more effectively always has benefits and it is essential in both our professional and personal lives. Becoming a better listener enhances job performances and it is also the most vital skill for accomplishing workplace task (E.g. Marketing). Listening is also essential in creating and maintaining friendships. One of the major characteristics that attracts us to others in the first place is their willingness to listen. This makes the other party feel important and valued. When people refuses to listen, they send a message that they don't care for us, that we don't exist for them. well, I mean everyone likes the other party to pay attention when they speak. This shows their sincerity.

Thus, the weightage of listening is definitely more than hearing.