"Selective hearing" refers to the act of deliberately ignoring or paying attention only to certain sounds or information, usually to avoid listening or responding to something one does not want to acknowledge. Full definition
Even some of my close friends have different parenting styles than I favor with my kids, so I still use selective hearing when gathering advice and deciding on which advice to follow. (policygenius.com)
They often seem to have selective hearing because they may still recognize their favorite cues like hearing the food bag open or seeing their owner getting the leash for a walk. (drrogerholisticvet.com)
I know I've beat my head against the wall way too many times as my children suddenly become deaf or develop selective hearing the moment I need them to listen. (heligirl.com)