Approaches some within earshot (5)
I believe the answer is:
nears
'approaches' is the definition.
('near' can be a synonym of 'approach')
'some within earshot' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'NEARS' is hidden in the letters of 'within earshot'.
(Other definitions for nears that I've seen before include "Draws close" , "advances" , "Saner (anag.)" , "Gets closer" , "Uses snare to get closer" .)