A third of adults have fallen out with someone after misreading text messages, according to research

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “When you struggle to hear, communication can become challenging, and feelings of frustration may arise, which is why being proactive and getting regular hearing tests is so important.” The study also found that the top phrases Brits would most like to hear in person rather than over a phone were ‘I love you’ and ‘Will you marry me?’ - both selected by 44 per cent of respondents. It also emerged that it’s not just technology which is causing problems with communication, as 45 per cent of adults struggle to hear someone speaking at least four times a week. Nearly one in five have experienced a communication breakdown with a friend or family member because of a hearing loss, and 35 per cent of people feel untreated hearing loss is frustrating for everyone involved in the conversation. But despite one in three believing hearing is critical for a conversation to flow, more than 50 per cent of those, who experience hearing loss, have not had their ears tested.