The ears are connected to the heart.

Scripture:
"Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 
...'For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’"
Matthew 13:9‭,15 (NIV)

Application:
Some people have ears to "talk." That's when they listen only for key words that signal it's time for them to interrupt and blurt out what they've been wanting to say all along. 
Some have ears to "condemn." That's when they listen for bad things or weaknesses in the speaker's arguments. 
But those with ears to hear are true listeners who have softened their hearts in order to really absorb the words being spoken. 
See that? 
The heart controls the ears. Jesus said the same things to His audiences, but each heard just what their hearts allowed to get through to the brain. From the brain, they acted to be doers if His Word, and not hearers only. (James 1:22)
And He still speaks the same Way. 

Prayer:
Jesus, You've taught us so well how to be hearers with our hearts. Help us apply Your teachings every day, with every person. Amen.