If you can't see or aren't focusing on the sounds around you it can be dangerous.
Lets say you hear a gunshot and if you immediately identify it you can hide/run/etc..
If you don't recognize the sound of a gunshot at first that could be the difference between life or death.
Or the sound of snapping twigs in the woods could mean some sort of animal or person could be following you.
Wood moving and creaking above could mean a ceiling collapse.
Very, very loud rumbling in the distance could mean a tornado is moving toward you.