hearing and listening

[Gerianne]

There is a difference.

Sometimes, people [either who are hard of hearing or who aren't paying attention] can hear what you're saying, acknowledge it, and yet comprehend something completely different. 
Sometimes, those who are hard of hearing can't hear you at all and change the topic because they heard something different.

[mill8277]

I have a hard time hearing what a person say if I'm not looking at them or facing them....but if they say it low or just right I can hear every word they say....I'm not sure why but that's how I am.....I can hear the words they are saying but I can't understand what they are saying.....