Śravaṇam means hearing and it plays a very important role in our journey.
In our material life, too śravaṇam plays a significant role. For example, in our schools and colleges, we learn by hearing the subjects from our teachers.
Now if we look through the history of mankind, we will see that all the great devotees of Lord Krishna perfected their lives by hearing the transcendental message. In the nava vida bhakti, the first process is śravaṇam (hearing).
In fact in Mahabharata, the Supreme Lord Krishna says to Arjuna that if he wants to know him and understand him completely then he should try to hear (śṛṇu) what he is saying.
Since Arjuna had heard with complete absorption; all his questions were answered. He now knew who he was and what should be the purpose of his life.
Mahārāja Parīkṣit, till the time of his imminent death decides to fix his mind completely on the lotus feet of Lord Krishna, humbly asks Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī what is the best way by which he can leave his material body.
Answering the king, the revered sage said that those who want to free themselves from all material miseries and desires should first hear about the Supreme Lord at the time of death.
After hearing sufficiently about the Lord one should then continuously glorify the Lord and remember him.