Others may have a condition that is medically treatable but have yet to let anyone know they are having difficulty. There are a multitude of causes and just as many ways to make communication easier. Between them, they have had 33 years of experience working with people who are dealing with hearing loss. They know that hearing loss is a very isolating disability. They have seen it force people to avoid scenarios because they know that they will not be able to follow the conversation and ultimately, feel stupid.
Background noise grounds some Restaurants can be intimidating because of the background noise.
Waiters and waitresses moving about, clinking glasses, and the conversation from the tables around you can actually drown out the conversation at your own table. It might seem to be much easier to just stay at home and eat in your own kitchen. Church services may not be spiritually fulfilling because all you can hear is the coughing or restless babies. When they are looking down at their cards, all visual cues are gone and you cannot discern which numbers they are calling. It is so much easier to stay home and read.