What causes the initial high-frequency hearing loss associated with prolonged exposure to loud noise, such as at a music concert?

💡 Explanation

Hair cell damage begins with the basal cells of the cochlea, which are most sensitive to high frequencies. This is due to the cumulative mechanical stress from prolonged loud noise causing apoptosis. Therefore, high-frequency hearing loss is the first sign, rather than nerve damage or ossicular problems, because the basal hair cells are most vulnerable.

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