Final answer:
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, initially aiming to assist individuals with hearing impairments. The invention swiftly became pivotal in advancing communication methods, far surpassing its original intent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alexander Graham Bell is often credited for inventing the telephone to help people with hearing problems. His interest and work on the device was partially motivated by personal and professional interests in auditory mechanics and communication. However, the broader impacts of his patent and the development of the telephone greatly exceeded its original purpose. The telephone went on to transform communication, making it faster and more efficient than the telegraph which it rapidly supplanted. By 1900, over 1.5 million telephones were in use, changing business practices and daily life. This innovation paved the way for the rise of AT&T, a key player in the communications industry.