Final answer:
Hearing loss is a common problem among older adults in the United States. It can make it difficult for them to communicate and follow instructions, and can lead to feelings of isolation. Various factors can cause hearing loss, including aging, trauma, infections, medications, and exposure to loud noise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is the partial or complete inability to hear. It can be caused by various factors such as aging, head or acoustic trauma, infections and diseases, medications, noise exposure, tumors, and toxins. Approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have hearing loss. Having trouble hearing can make it hard to communicate and follow a doctor's advice, respond to warnings, and hear sounds like headphones, doorbells, and smoke alarms. Hearing loss can also make it hard to have conversations with family and friends, leading to feelings of isolation.