hearer
hearer
Noun
pl: hearers
This term describes the passive role of receiving auditory information, focusing on the physical or cognitive act of perception. While a listener implies a level of attention or intent, a hearer can be anyone within earshot of a sound, regardless of whether they are actively paying attention.
In legal or administrative contexts, the term takes on a specialized meaning, referring to an official or an impartial party tasked with presiding over a hearing. In these instances, the word shifts from a general sensory description to a formal professional designation.