True or False: Hearing loss can begin as early as age 20.

Hearing loss can indeed begin as early as age 20. This condition, known as presbycusis, is characterized by a gradual decline in hearing ability that often starts in young adulthood and can be influenced by a variety of factors. While it is commonly associated with aging, intrinsic age-related changes in the auditory system can occur long before older age sets in. Moreover, contemporary studies have shown that environmental factors such as exposure to loud noise, ototoxic medications, and genetic predispositions can contribute to hearing loss even at a younger age. Therefore, the assertion that hearing loss can commence in individuals as young as 20 is accurate and reflects an understanding of the multifaceted nature of hearing impairment.