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[deleted] t1_iuro53q wrote

Just so I have this straight, I believe you're asking if a damaging, loud noise will still be damaging if it has already caused the damage on the hearing hair cells.

Two things factor into permanent hearing loss from noise: volume and time sustained. As long as there are hair cells left to damage (partial hearing loss), using the same original volume and amount of time will also damage additional cells. So raising the volume above a safe level will continue to damage your hearing whether you can hear it well or not.

The CDC recommends that people with hearing loss keep the volume down to a safe level even with hearing loss and recommends techniques like reading lips for help if it's a person speaking. This will help prevent it from getting worse. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_if_i_already_have_hearing_loss.html

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I_am_Mind_Wanderer OP t1_iurpf2b wrote

Thanks, i was indeed thinking about hair cells! I have to admit that the exact mechanism underlying hair cell damage is still somewhat elusive to me^^

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[deleted] t1_iurqjq4 wrote

Another CDC page uses an analogy of grass being like your hair cells. If you walk over grass and bend the grass (listening to a loud concert) they'll return to normal after a short while. But if many people walk over the grass, it will die.

Also, besides the hair cells, loud sound can also damage the auditory nerve.

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_does_loud_noise_cause_hearing_loss.html#:~:text=Listening%20to%20loud%20noise%20for,neural%20system%20is%20generally%20permanent.

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tyler1128 t1_iusnbzt wrote

There is evidence that consuming antioxidants such as those in chocolate before or slightly after hearing something above safe thresholds can help prevent hearing loss. It supports the theory that damage to the hair cells of the ear are at least partially from oxidative stress.

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