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Daily Mirror

National

Richard Jenkins

Meghan and Harry among 40 most boring conversation subjects making Brits 'turn off'

Boring subjects most likely to make Brits 'turn off' during a conversation include golf, veganism - and Meghan and Harry.

A poll of 2,000 adults discovered what makes the nation prick up their ears, and what makes them tune out of a conversation.

Rants about online dating, Brexit and diets are also likely to make people zone out.

And while local and national news or the weather is most interesting to the over 55s, gossip, music, and climate change top the list for under 25s.

The research, commissioned by high street hearing specialist Hidden Hearing to support the National Campaign for Better Hearing, also found the majority of us consider themselves to be 'active' listeners rather than 'passive' listeners.

People are bored of talking about Meghan and Harry (Getty)

Active listeners pay full attention to the conversation by listening and responding, but more than half admitted they often interrupt or fill in sentences when someone else is speaking.

And under 25s are nearly twice as likely to switch off within three minutes of conversation than those over 55.

GP and health broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones said: "When we're talking to others we can often tell when someone isn't really listening.

"As friends and family, it's vital for us to determine if this is because the listener is disinterested or unable to hear us.

Under 25s are twice as likely to zone out (file image) (Getty)

"We know that hearing loss can be linked to loneliness and isolation so making sure people are able to engage with us is important to keep our brains sharp and feel connected.

"Not enough people are aware of the common signs of hearing loss and what to do next, such as taking a hearing test and using hearing aids which can help people actively listen, be connected, and tune into conversations."

The study revealed the most common occasions where people switch off including family gatherings, work meetings and watching the TV.

Three quarters admit they interject into someone's story with questions to show they're listening properly, with 63 per cent nodding their heads at random intervals to highlight interest.

Golf is not for everyone (file image) (Getty)

And a third respond with judicious 'hmm's' when they feel the opportunity calls for it.

The research, conducted in the lead up to World Hearing Day on March 3rd, also revealed that during a typical conversation, Brits need to ask someone to repeat something twice - because they don't listen properly or can't hear the speaker.

The most common reasons over 55s don't listen include believing people are mumbling rather than speaking properly (64 per cent), background noise (51 per cent) and people talking too quietly (41 per cent), all of which are signs of hearing loss.

Whereas under 25s are twice as likely than over 55s to struggle to hear because of distractions.

It can be hard to beat boredom (stock image) (Getty)

Over 55s are also less likely to let modern technology distract them, with only one in 10 distracted by their mobile phone, compared to one third of under 25s.

The study also found more than 40 per cent of adults over 50 suffer some degree of hearing loss, with a fifth believing it's just an 'inevitable part of getting older.'

But although nearly half of adults, polled via OnePoll, said having hearing loss would make them feel frustrated, just 30 per cent would go to a hearing specialist if they had any concerns.

Dr Hilary Jones added: "People listen to conversations in different ways, but it is important to pay attention to the reasons you may switch off.

Brexit became very boring very quickly for many people (file image) (Getty)

"Being an active listener and following conversations with others is crucial to staying switched on.

"With World Hearing Day on the 3rd March, it is the prime time to be mindful of distractions and recognise that if you find it difficult to listen to conversations, especially if you're over 55, it may be because you're experiencing hearing loss.

"Listening and engaging with others brings so much enjoyment in life, and is crucial for communicating, yet our ability to hear can be something that many people take for granted.

"Being proactive in your health and getting regular checks is key for you to switch life on and make a positive change."