Final answer:
Noise-induced hearing loss is due to prolonged exposure to loud or close sounds, damaging inner ear hair cells that do not regenerate, resulting in permanent hearing impairment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by prolonged exposure to sounds that are either too loud or too close. This kind of noise exposure can damage the hair cells in your ear that allow you to hear. Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate and your ability to hear is diminished.
Regular exposure to sound levels above 80 decibels (dB) can lead to hearing impairment over time, as can very loud sounds such as those from construction equipment or listening to music at maximum volume through earbuds. Hearing loss can also result from damage due to the threshold of pain, which is around 130 dB.
To prevent this permanent damage, it is crucial to wear ear protection like earplugs or earmuffs and to minimize the duration of exposure to loud sounds. Individuals who work in noisy environments, such as musicians or construction workers, are particularly at risk and should take additional precautions to protect their hearing.