Deafness is a condition where a person has partial or complete inability to hear sounds. It can occur at birth or develop later in life due to various factors, such as aging, exposure to loud noises, or infections. People with deafness may use sign language, lip reading, or hearing aids to communicate and interact with others. There are different types of deafness, including conductive deafness, which affects the outer or middle ear, and sensorineural deafness, which involves damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Understanding deafness helps promote awareness and support for those who experience hearing loss.