Within earshot? Literally so! (4)
I believe the answer is:
near
'within earshot?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for near that I've seen before include "(Get) close to" , "A short distance away" , "Close-fisted - approach" , "Close, not far away" , "Easy to reach - hard to touch!" .)