Selective hearing is often seen as a nuisance and a sure-fire way to irritate your partner.

An expert has warned that actually, it could be a sign of a hearing problem, which could lead to more health issues.

Selective hearing is when a person only appears to perk up and listen when it involves or interests them.

For example, they may zone out a conversation in a group of friends but suddenly be listening when food is mentioned.

Or, you may bring up a conversation you had a few days ago, but that person can only remember small details from it that they chose to listen to. 

It may be useful to pay close attention to your partner’s conversation patterns to make sure they aren’t spiralling into a serious hearing problem, however. 

Here are a few things that may suggest your partner has a hearing loss:

• Asking you to repeat yourself
• Complaining about mumbling
• Difficulty with phone conversations
• Listening to the TV at a loud volume
• Appearing withdrawn, or becoming quiet
• Exhaustion after socialising