In a recent survey of baby boomers, Energizer Battery Inc. found that nearly half of respondents felt their marriage has suffered because of their spouse's hearing loss.

The survey polled men and women age 44 to 62 and came up with the following results:

Being hard of hearing can cause hard feelings. Nearly seven of 10 respondents said they feel annoyed when their spouse cannot hear them. About 16 percent felt they were ignored with 8 percent feeling saddened or hurt.

About 60 percent of respondents said they talk louder so their spouse can hear them, while 83 percent said by talking louder they felt their spouse had a better understanding of what they were saying.

While 45 percent believe their spouse doesn't hear chore requests, 77.5 percent say their spouse does hear them fix a snack, raising the issue of selective hearing.

Half believe their spouse is in denial about their hearing loss. Dr. Bary Williams, an audiologist associated with the survey, said couples must work together and encourage healthy hearing habits.

"If you have a hearing issue -- and one-third of boomers think they do -- get a hearing screening to determine if you need a hearing aid," he said, noting that people are put at risk if they have unresolved hearing problems that can cause them not hear the phone, doorbell or fire alarm.