In the last few months, the “What’s my age?” hearing test internet trend has been popular. Following this trend, people have been filming video clips showing other people’s reactions to a high-frequency sound. It’s said this particular sound can only be heard by people under the age of twenty-five.
- Have you heard about this trend? If so, have you tested it? (Accept all reasonable answers.)
Let’s watch an example of these “hearing test” videos. In this example, we’ll see two people over twenty-five and one person under twenty-five reacting to the high-frequency sound.
Play this video for your students [0:10].
HEARING Test | Latest trending video | Age tester | What’s my age | Latest video 2021
- Could you hear the sound featured in the video? (Invite students to share.)
This audio clip demonstrates that what we hear can be determined by what frequency our ears are able to hear based on our age. While this may be a silly example, what we happen to hear and what we choose to listen to are an important part of our everyday lives.
- What cultural messages do you think you subconsciously pick up on or internalize as you go about your day? (Accept all reasonable answers. We tend to subconsciously internalize stereotypes about others and lies about ourselves such as what makes us beautiful/happy/worthy. Conversely, we may internalize cultural values such as inclusivity and individuality. We tend to adopt the views of those around us.)
- What do you choose to listen to when you put on your headphones? When do you find yourself struggling to listen to a speaker or entertainment? (Accept all reasonable answers and conversation around what content they find interesting or boring. Speakers/artists closer to their age, subjects they find relevant, formats they find innovative, and mediums they find entertaining may draw them in, while they may tune out the opposite.)
- Is there a difference between hearing and listening? If so, describe the difference. (Accept all reasonable answers. Generally, hearing is when our ears identify a sound, while listening is interacting with/processing what we are hearing. The latter takes more concentration, less distraction, perhaps stillness.)
Hearing and listening are an important part of the Christian life. From beginning to end, the story of Scripture recalls religious leaders reading aloud to the people—God’s laws, the story of God’s faithfulness, and how to be the Church in the first days of Christianity. Let’s see why God says it is important to retell the stories and teach one another from His Word and why active listening will help us grow in faith.
