Hearing is the biological process of the ears and brain receiving sound waves. Listening is a much more active process that involves assigning meaning and responding to messages.

Distractions

Listening biases are assumptions or attitudes about a person, an issue, or a topic that are brought into the interaction. Biases are a major barrier to effective listening, and it is best to limit them in order to be a more effective listener.

“Judging too soon” is a barrier to effective listening in which the listener reaches a conclusion or evaluation prior to hearing all of the information being shared.

Listening anxiety occurs when a listener has fear or apprehension that triggers the inability to process and interpret the messages sent by others.

Critical

Comprehensive

Empathic

Hearing, Understanding, Remembering, Interpreting, Evaluating, Responding