It depends on the context:
* Distance: A shout will travel further than a whisper, so in a large space, the shout might be heard even if the whisper isn't.
* Background Noise: A lot of background noise will make it harder to hear both a shout and a whisper.
* Focus: If someone is focused on the whisper, they might hear it even if the shout is louder.
* Clarity: A clear shout might be easier to understand than a mumbled whisper, even if the whisper is slightly louder.
Other factors:
* Volume: While a shout is typically louder than a whisper, there's no hard and fast rule. Someone might shout softly or whisper loudly.
* Frequency: Shouts tend to have a lower frequency than whispers, which can affect how well they carry and how they're perceived.
* Medium: The medium through which sound travels (air, water, etc.) can affect how well both shouts and whispers are transmitted.
In summary:
It's not a simple matter of one always "overtaking" the other. The outcome depends on a complex interplay of factors, including volume, distance, noise level, and the listener's focus.