Which term refers to the involuntary physiological process of receiving aural stimuli and is passive?

• A. Listening
• B. Hearing
• C. Active listening
• D. Speaking

Answer: (B)

Hearing is the body's automatic, passive process of perceiving sound. It involves the ears receiving auditory stimuli and the brain registering those sounds without conscious effort. Listening, on the other hand, is an active, conscious act of paying attention, interpreting, and understanding what is heard. Active listening builds on listening by adding deliberate engagement and response, while speaking is about producing sound rather than perceiving it. Since the question describes involuntary reception of aural stimuli that is passive, hearing best fits.