We hear what we want to hear. We see what we want to see. That’s not to say there is no truth. There’s plenty of truth. But we tune into the frequencies and focus on the areas of our interest; whether these interests are conscious or not.
For example, if you lack something, being asked about it may trigger a different reaction than if you don’t lack it.
One could test this theory as follows.
When asked “Have you seen it?” If the answer is negative, you may hear, internally, a voice that says “want to see it” at the same time that you are deciphering the original question. This doubling of voices may result in your mishearing: “Do you want to see it?”
For example, if you have not seen a photo, being asked if you have seen it may prompt you to want to see it. It will induce a desire. If you have seen it, the question will simply prompt a recollection of that photo; which, while warm, will not feel as bright or sound as loudly as an unsatisfied desire.