What contributes to the progressiveness of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?

The progressiveness of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is mainly attributed to the consistent exposure to high-frequency sounds. Prolonged exposure to high-frequency noise can damage the hair cells in the cochlea, leading to gradual hearing deterioration over time. This type of exposure results in a cumulative effect on the auditory system, making individuals more susceptible to hearing loss as time goes by.

While short bursts of loud sounds and variability in sound levels can also contribute to hearing loss, they do so in a different manner. Short bursts may cause immediate damage but typically do not lead to the gradual, continuous deterioration associated with prolonged exposure to high-frequency noise. Variability in sound levels can affect how the auditory system responds, but it does not contribute to the progressiveness of hearing loss in the same way that consistent high-frequency exposure does. Hence, the emphasis on consistent exposure highlights its critical role in the gradual onset of NIHL.