"Mr. Smith Visits The Hearing Doc" Date: April 20, 1997 Series: "Learning to Hear From God" Message: "Helps To Hearing God" Scripture: Psalm 40 Time: About 5 minutes Concept: A follow-up to "Bad Connection", Brian Smith goes to a hearing doctor to find our what's wrong with his hearing. In an amusing examination and conversation, Brian learns that his hearing is just fine--its his ability to listen that is the real problem. Scene: Brian comes into the doc's office. He's got a walkman with headphones on... Doc: Good morning! (Brian is listening to his walkman) Let's see here, (looking at Brian's chart) you are Mr. Smith, and you've been experiencing some hearing difficulties? (Brian continues to listen to his walkman, engrossed in the music) Mr. Smith? (goes over an taps Brian on the shoulder) Mr. Smith! Brian: (takes off headphones) Huh? What? Oh, hi, Doc. My name's Brian. Brian Smith. Look, Doc, I need your help. I've been having some hearing problems. Can't seem to hear things good, you know? Doc: Well, Brian. I'm a trained audiologist, so I'm sure I can be of help to you (Brian has put on the headphones again and is not listening) Come over here and let me hook you up to our audio response indicator...(notices Brian is not listening) Mr. Smith? Mr. Smith? (has to tap him again) Mr. Smith! Brian: Huh? Oh, sorry, Doc. Like I said, I've been having some hearing problems. Doc: Brian, let me have your walkman. I want to put you on the audio response indicator, and you can't listen to two things at the same time. Now I want you to come over here... (Brian has picked up a magazine and begun reading) Mr. Smith? Mr. Smith! Brian: Huh? Sorry, Doc. Sure hope you can help me. Seems like I'm having trouble hearing everybody. My wife...kids... Doc: Well, that's what I'm here for. Now, quite often we find a problem in the...(Brian interrupts him) Brian: (interrupting) ...even God. Tried giving Him a call, but we had a bad connection or something. Got any ideas what might be the problem? Doc: I'm beginning to...now sit right here and when I nod to you, let me know when you hear a audio tone. Put on the headphones, please. (Brian puts on the headphones and the test begins. Brian raises his hand several times...and the Doc indicates the test is over) Brian: That wasn't too bad, Doc. But I like the music on my walkman better. Can I have it back now? Doc: In a minute. Mr. Smith, my test indicates no audio impairments. Your response to a wide range of audio frequencies was well within acceptable levels. However... Brian: (interrupting) Excuse me, Doc, but could you speak in English, please? Doc: OK, Brian. Here's the deal. Your ability to hear is just fine. Your real problem is your ability to listen. Brian: What? Doc: There's nothing wrong with your hearing...you need to learn how to listen. Brian: (trying to understand) I can hear but I don't listen. I don't get it. Doc: Most people with your problem don't. Brian: So...can you help me? Doc: With your hearing, no. With your listening, yes. I have a special group that meets for people just like you. (writing a prescription) I want you back here to my office on Tuesday night at 7 PM. Now, here's your first hearing lesson. My office, Tuesday night, 7 PM. Repeat that back to me. Brian: Your office, Tuesday night, 7 PM. (smiles) Hey, I just listened to you, didn't I? Doc: Yes, you did. Not bad for a start, but you've got a ways to go if you are going to become a good listener, Brian. Brian: Well, its a start. I'll be here, Doc. If I'm going to be able to really listen to my wife, my kids, other people and especially God, I've got some listening lessons ahead of me. Doc: Good. I like your attitude. Being willing to learn to listen is the first step to becoming a great listener. My office, Tuesday night, 7 PM. Brian: Your office, Tuesday night, 7 PM...right. Thanks, Doc. I'm a better listener already. Hey, could I get my walkman back? I'd like to hear some tunes on the way home. Doc: Tell you what, Brian. How about if I hold on to your walkman for now? That will be part of listening lesson number 2. OK? Brian: Well....OK, Doc. This listening thing isn't going to be so easy, is it? Doc: You can do it, Brian. See you Tuesday. Brian: Your office, Tuesday night, 7 PM. Right? Doc: Right. See you then. Brian: Doc...you sure I can't have my walkman? Doc: (shaking head) Tuesday, Brian, Tuesday. 3