What does 'hearing' primarily involve according to the text?

The concept of 'hearing' primarily involves the physiological process of perceiving sound. This means that hearing happens when sound waves enter the ear and are transmitted to the brain, but it doesn't require active engagement or comprehension of what the sound represents. Therefore, the correct understanding here emphasizes that hearing is a passive activity.

In contrast, listening would involve active engagement with the message, where an individual not only hears sounds but also processes and interprets them. While interpreting meaning or providing thoughtful responses may be components of effective listening and communication, they are not elements of the basic hearing process. Hearing can occur even when a person is not consciously focused on the sounds or their meanings, highlighting its nature as a primary, involuntary sensory experience.