The process of hearing is the ability of perceiving sound through the ear. One can’t consciously turn off this process; we are constantly absorbing and filtering the landscape, sorting out which sound is important and which isn’t. Conversely, listening is an active process. It requires effort and attention. If you’ve ever tuned out in a boring lecture you’ll know what I’m talking about. I certainly frequently struggle to listen.

For example, at a party, if several conversations are occurring at the same time, I constantly switch between listen to them. One conversation might be more interesting at some point than the other. Sometimes, both conversations are worth listening to but its impossible to split your attention equally between both. This last point can tie back to the modes of attention discussed earlier in the course. Just like one can’t truly multitask, doing two or more things at the same time, one can’t truly listen to multiple sources.

So how do forms of media get you to listen rather than hear? Certainly, some radio stations don’t intend to get their audience to listen closely. A lot of radio stations think they can get away with playing the same Adele song 6 times an hour – I’m looking at you, Smooth FM. After all, this kind of radio is mostly intended to be heard as background noise to kill silence in a home, office, or car.

However, podcasts for example, are intended for listening. They are often discussions, or a narrative that requires high engagement, which is created through the rich texture of the soundscape. Producers of this kind of media, for example in the Podcast “Welcome to the Nightvale.” Created by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, employ the three stage plan (figure, ground, and field) to create a rich and engaging narrative.

Like most things, these modes of listening have their own uses and pros and cons. It is important to be aware of them, especially as a media practitioner.