According to the survey, three-quarters believe their partner listens only to what they want to hear; and more than half of the respondents said the tactic of not acknowledging a request was the main cause of rows over anything from money troubles to housework.
Eighty three per cent suspected their partner had full control over selective hearing and could choose what they did and did not take in. Many tested their other half by asking them to repeat what they had just said to see if they were really listening, the `Daily Express` reported.
Seventy per cent of British women in the survey admitted using this tactic as they believe their men simply pretend not to hear when asked to do chores, the survey says.
Most said their partner`s selective hearing increased as they got older, but only a third thought it may be only a symptom of hearing loss. And this could be unfair, according to Boots, which carried out the survey.
It found that taking steps to correct genuine hearing loss can do wonders for a couple. Many said it improved their relationship, increasing their conversations with partners and reducing arguments.