Listener with new merit (4)
I believe the answer is:
earn
'merit' is the definition.
(I've seen this in other clues)
'listener with new' is the wordplay.
'listener' becomes 'ear' (body part which hears or listens).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'new' becomes 'n' (abbreviation as in New Testament NT).
'ear'+'n'='EARN'
(Other definitions for earn that I've seen before include "Gain (money, reputation, etc)" , "Deserve; get paid" , "Gain credit from" , "Deserve - merit" , "Acquire through merit" .)