There are none so deaf as those who will not hear.

A person who refuses to consider what is being said may be harder to reach than someone who cannot hear it. The obstacle is unwillingness, not lack of opportunity.

The proverb suggests that repeating an explanation may accomplish little when the listener has already decided to dismiss it. It places responsibility on the listener’s choice to ignore the message.

Use it when someone repeatedly dismisses a warning or explanation without considering it. It is reproachful, so it may be unfair when the person has a genuine hearing difficulty or a reasoned disagreement.