Hear /'hir/ v.
1. to perceive or apprehend by the ear
2. to have the capacity of apprehending sound
Lis ten [lis-uhn] v.
1. to pay attention to sound
2. to hear something with thoughtful attention: give consideration
3. to be alert or catch an unexpected sound
There is a difference between hearing and listening. To hear is to simply allow sound to enter your ear. To listen is to pay attention to; to regard; to heed. If someone has had to tell you something several times, if you find yourself receiving seemingly repetitive advice, then perhaps you've been hearing, but you haven't been listening.
You're also not listening if you're the one doing all the talking. Listening is not to pay attention to the sound of your own voice; it is to pay attention to someone else's voice. If you're done learning and you feel that you can do fine without the help of others, then go ahead, continuing hearing. But if you want to go somewhere, if you want to be respected by others, open your mind and start listening.
