____________________ is purposeful and requires one's full attention to understand what someone is sharing.

Listening is a skill that involves active engagement and focus, allowing an individual to understand and interpret the message that another person is conveying. It goes beyond merely hearing sounds; listening requires cognitive processing, empathy, and an openness to fully grasp not only the words but also the emotions and ideas behind them. This purposeful attention is essential for effective communication, as it fosters better relationships and minimizes misunderstandings.

In the context of allied health, proficient listening skills are critical. Health professionals must accurately capture patient information, comprehend their concerns, and respond appropriately, which can significantly impact treatment outcomes. In contrast, hearing is a passive physical process that does not require intent or understanding, making it insufficient for deep communication. Learning and speaking also involve active participation but do not focus specifically on the reception of information from another person as listening does.