What causes increased sensitivity to loud noises (hyperacusis) following prolonged exposure to moderate noise levels that initially caused temporary threshold shift?

💡 Explanation

Hyperacusis can arise from a decreased inner hair cell threshold because the auditory nerve fibers become more sensitive to even moderate sound intensities after initial noise damage. Therefore, the perception of loudness is amplified, rather than being caused by increased outer hair cell amplification or reduced inhibition.

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