Listen (to), Hear, Sound

While "listen to", "hear", and "sound" all relate to the auditory sense, there are subtle differences between them. "Listen to" implies an active effort to pay attention to and understand the sounds being heard. It often involves a deliberate action, such as turning up the volume or leaning in to hear better. "Hear" is a more passive experience, simply indicating that sound is being received by the ears. It does not necessarily imply that the person is actively paying attention or comprehending the sound.