Many people find they can hear their partner or family more easily than others. That’s usually because your brain is very familiar with their voice. Over time, you've become accustomed to their tone, rhythm and accent, as well as the kinds of words they tend to use.  

When you begin to lose your hearing, your brain has to work overtime to fill in the gaps, which is easier to do with loved ones because you already recognise their voice. Your family may also speak slightly louder, face you when talking, or repeat things more clearly because they know you well.

If you’ve ever wondered why hearing experiences differ from person to person, our companion article covers this, and it’s also worth reading about hearing certain voices more clearly. You can browse the Hearing Health category page for more.