A hearing problem
An elderly man thinking his wife was losing her hearing went about 20' behind her and asked "Can you hear me sweetheart"?. No reply. He then Moved to 10' behind her and inquired again. No reply.
He then moved to 5' behind her and still not a word.
A few inches behind ear, he asked "Can you hear me now honey"?
His wife said "For the fourth time, yes."