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We’ve all heard about the <\/span>importance of listening<\/span><\/a> when someone is speaking, but we’ve also probably encountered a situation in which someone couldn’t hear what we said.<\/span><\/p>\n While hearing is necessary, listening to your partner is critically important. Below, learn about the effects of hearing vs. listening in relationships and how to listen better in a relationship and truly <\/span>understand what your partner is saying to you<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Hearing means that your brain has physiologically processed the sounds of someone speaking to you.<\/span><\/p>\n It is possible to hear that your partner is talking to you, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are listening to what they have to say and genuinely understanding what it is they are communicating to you.<\/span><\/p>\n There is undoubtedly a difference in hearing and listening, and listening in a relationship is perhaps the most important piece here. When you listen to your partner, you engage in an active process, rather than just passively hearing them.<\/span><\/p>\n Listening means genuinely paying attention to what your partner is saying, showing interest in what they’re telling you, and caring about understanding their point of view.<\/span><\/p>\n Now that you know the answer to “What is the difference between hearing and listening?” It is helpful to understand how listening is different from hearing and <\/span>how both affect mental health<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n As one of the five senses, hearing impacts mental health, even if it is a passive process. A <\/span>recent study<\/span><\/a> found that <\/span>when women struggled<\/span><\/a> with hearing impairment, their husbands were more depressed.<\/span><\/p>\n Another <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> found that severe hearing loss was associated with increased suicidal thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n Social exclusion and psychological distress were also linked to suicidal ideation, suggesting that hearing loss can make it <\/span>challenging to maintain relationships<\/span><\/a> and negatively affect mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n Hearing is important for mental health because being able to hear what others are saying is a prerequisite for listening.<\/span><\/p>\n Hearing impaired people cannot communicate fully, and they miss out on conversations, which ultimately makes it <\/span>difficult to connect with others<\/span><\/a>. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and can even damage relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n Over time, social exclusion and loneliness can worsen mental health and <\/span>lead to anxiety<\/span><\/a> and depression and decreased happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n While hearing vs. listening in relationships represent different constructs, both are important for mental health. Listening is important because a <\/span>communication breakdown is likely to occur<\/span><\/a> when you don’t actively listen to people.<\/span><\/p>\n This <\/span>can lead to frustration<\/span><\/a>, irritability, and conflict in your relationships, which adds stress and can <\/span>have a negative effect on mental health<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, when you become a better listener, your relationships are likely to improve, <\/span>making you happier<\/span><\/a>, providing you with a stronger social circle, and supporting your mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n You have probably heard of the term “active listener” at some point, but you’re maybe wondering, “How does active listening help a relationship?”<\/span><\/p>\n The answer is that active listening <\/span>improves understanding between two people<\/span><\/a> and can strengthen relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n Active listening also makes for better conflict resolution. Watch this video to learn how to listen better in a relationship:<\/span><\/span>Differences in hearing vs. listening in relationships: Helpful definitions<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Hearing and listening: How they affect mental health<\/span><\/h2>\n
Importance of hearing for mental health<\/b><\/h3>\n
Related Reading: <\/i><\/b>What Is Defensive Listening and How Destructive Can It Be<\/span><\/i><\/a>?<\/i><\/b><\/pre>\n
Importance of listening for mental health<\/b><\/h3>\n