Mutes are individuals who are unable to speak due to various reasons, such as physical disabilities, medical conditions, or psychological factors. This inability to communicate verbally can affect their social interactions and daily life. Mutes may use alternative methods of communication, such as sign language or written text, to express themselves. In some contexts, the term "mute" can also refer to devices or techniques used to silence sounds, such as a mute button on electronic devices. In music, mutes are tools that reduce the volume or alter the tone of instruments, like a trumpet mute or a string instrument mute.