“WHAT?” is now a more common phrase than “I love you” among couples 55+, according to new research. 

Over a quarter (38%) of people in East of England who are in a relationship admit they’ve argued with their partner because they couldn’t hear each other properly, reveals a survey from Specsavers. This results in people feeling ‘frustrated’ (32%), ‘ignored’ (16%) and even ‘unloved’ (7%).

Over a third (35%) admit they argue every week due to not quite hearing one another. Misunderstandings between couples in East of England range from simply getting the wrong end of the stick in a conversation (40%) to actually offending their partner (11%). 

This has resulted in 17% of people in the East walking away from the conversation and one in six (15%) in East of England have even stopped talking to their other half. For some, not being quite heard by their partner becomes a daily issue, with one in six (15%) saying they’re misunderstood by their partner at least once a day.

When asked what might help ease these issues, one in five cited a hearing check as a potential fix – and, in fact, 23 per cent of East of England couples has suggested the other book an appointment.

Undiagnosed hearing loss could be the culprit of these relationship bickers, and – to raise awareness of the issue – TV and social media personalities and celebrity couple Michael and Hilary Whitehall have partnered with Specsavers to cheekily cause drama by appearing to argue in a series of public stunts that show how Michael’s hearing difficulties affect their daily lives.

Michael has now been fitted with new hearing devices and the pair are encouraging other couples in similar situations to take action to stay connected.

Michael Whitehall commented: “I’ve always blamed our usual bickers on Hilary’s mumbling. After a little persuasion, I had a hearing check at Specsavers and it turns out I have a little bit of hearing loss. Who knew? “The most romantic thing you can do … is booking a hearing check. Safe to say, missing half the conversation isn’t ideal in a marriage. Now I’ve been fitted with hearing devices I’ve realised how much I was missing before – and the issues my hearing was causing.”

Hilary Whitehall commented: “For a long time I thought Michael was just ignoring me or not getting my jokes. Unsurprisingly, or at least not to me, Michael’s hearing check identified a little hearing loss. But now we know that’s what’s going on and he’s got a hearing device, we’re bickering less and laughing more.”

Specsavers hearing expert, Sonam Sehemby, commented: “18 million adults in the UK have hearing loss^[1] and many don’t realise that they are missing parts of the conversation. Since it develops gradually, people often wait up to ten years before seeking help. But when hearing loss starts to affect relationships, it’s time to act. A hearing check can help couples reconnect and truly hear each other again.”

Dr Zoe Williams, GP, commented: “Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears, it affects your relationships, confidence, and overall wellbeing. It’s important not to ignore ear health – if you’re having challenges hearing properly, there are steps you can take to get back on the same page.”

To watch the Whitehall’s PSA please visit the following link: specsavers.co.uk/hearing/relationships

If you or your partner aren’t quite hearing each other clearly or you’re not getting the whole conversation, book a free hearing check with a Specsavers hearing expert. It might just solve more than you think.