Men ignore their partners 388 times a year with 'selective hearing', study reveals

A new study has found that men ignore their partners an average of 388 times a year with "selective hearing".

This will come as no surprise to many of us who have questioned the surprisingly convenient times when our partner fails to hear what we're saying - typically when requests to complete household chores like the dishes are made.

Conducted by Scrivens Opticians, the new study found that three-quarters of people in the United Kingdom believe that their partner has selective hearing - and it's more likely to affect men than women.

This woman saved a man from a heart attack on their first date and their relationship is still going strong:

The study found that, on average, men ignore their female partners a whopping 388 times a year, so that's at least once a day. Comparatively, women will selectively hear what their male partners are saying 339 times a year.

However, before you bite your partner's head off, the experts behind the study said that it could genuinely be the result of hearing difficulties.

Credit: 1430

The poll surveyed a total of 2,000 adults and around four in ten respondents said they "know with certainty" that their partner struggles to hear.

In addition to this, a third of respondents said they had seen their partners attempting to lip read, with 47% admitting that their partner mumbles - both of which are indicative of hearing loss.

Credit: 1984

Scrivens senior hearing aid audiologist Kirran Saimbi said of the findings: "Most of us will have experienced 'selective hearing' - either being the accused or the accuser. But joking aside, 'selective hearing' could be a sign of hearing loss. Left ignored, hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression and there is evidence of a link with dementia."

"The changes in our hearing are often so subtle and happen over time, that it can be very hard for us to notice the impact it's having on our lives and those around us. That's why regular hearing checks are so important."

If you're worried that you or someone you know could be suffering from hearing loss, you can take the free Scrivens online hearing test.