Listening requires active participation of the ears, heart and mind. These parts cannot be going in opposite directions. They must be united and focused to listen. Listening requires that you be present enough to participate in creation. Your heart is like a radio receiver- tuned to the Allah channel.
Expectations are like the hills in front of a receiving antenna.
They interfere with getting the message. Expectations block the signal. If you expect to hear something, you may miss how the message is actually delivered. Take each step at a time. Allah is Here, all around us and within us.