Hearing and listening

Half the time we dont pay attention when someone is talking to us. The other half the time, we think we are paying attention, whereas we are day dreaming and only listening in to some words and phrases now and then. And all this when we are actually tuned in to the person talking!Even though God has given us two ears, they seem to filter out most of the 'wanted' stuff.
This train of thought was prompted by a small incident today morning.I was travelling by a taxi and the driver wanted to know the route he has to take. I patiently told him, andhra mahila sabha, cp ramaswmay iyer road and then music academy and gopalapuram, sathyam theatre and then we are there.He said thanks i will follow this route. While we were near the music academy, he tells me, we should avoid going straight as it will be very crowded and can we take the gopalapuram route!I told him this is what i told you just a while ago. Without batting an eyelid, he tells me so it is okay as he is also planning to take the same route!
Is it about not listening, or listening and not paying attention? Or it could be the third; there could be a disconnect between the brain and his vocal chords. The brain knows what route to take, and perhaps will unconsciously guide him while driving. But before that he has to talk and the disconnect showed!
Was mildly irritated.