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Siemens

One Poll

9 May 2009

HEAR HEAR
DRAFT NEWS COPY
Women only really hear properly when they are gossiping or eavesdropping on other people's conversations, according to new research.
More than two thirds (67 per cent) of women admitted that a gossip with friends is the only time they are properly listening to what is being said.
The same percentage thinks they hear most intently when they are trying to eavesdrop on tittle-tattle taking place nearby.
Only half of men said they are only hear properly when gossiping, while just 41 per cent admitted to listening closely to other people's conversations.
Worryingly, 66 per cent of women admitted they had never had a hearing test - compared to 55 per cent of men.
And 46 per cent of people admit they sometimes struggle to hear what other people are saying.
Wendy Davies, Audiologist at Siemens Hearing Instruments which carried out the research, said: ''The first sign of hearing loss is constantly asking 'pardon' or turning up the TV really loud.
''If you think this is you, a visit to the GP is on the cards to rule out medical problems and refer you for a test.
''You don't have to be old to lose your hearing - loud clubbing and high volume on your MP3 can damage ears, so it's important to have regular tests.
''If is it hearing loss, don't panic. Hearing aids are very different to the beige banana's that granny used to wear. Today you can get funky models the size of a chilli bean.''
The poll of 2,000 people also found that only 21 per cent of men reckon they always listen carefully to every word, and just 19 per cent of women said the same.
Five per cent of women even admitted to just hearing to the odd word here and there.
And ladies are most likely to switch off when listening to their work colleagues, with the average woman catching what they say just 64 per cent of the time.
Just two thirds of what their boss says gets picked up, while women admitted they only really hear 70 per cent of the conversations they have with their partner.
But when it comes to talking to their best friend, women give their full attention to more than three quarters of what is spoken.
Researchers also revealed that 84 per cent of Brits think they are a good listener, with 20 per cent saying they listen to every word.
And 58 per cent think speaking face-to-face is the best form of communication.
ENDS
Research conducted by global market research company www.onepoll.com