Final answer:
If the stereocilia are permanently bent away from the kinocilium, decreased sensitivity to sound or hearing loss is likely, as this prevents the necessary depolarization and nerve impulse generation that signal sound detection.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the stereocilia of a hair cell are permanently bent away from the kinocilium, it is likely that there will be decreased sensitivity to sound or potential loss of hearing. This is because the bending of the stereocilia towards the kinocilium is necessary for the opening of ion channels, which depolarize the hair cell membrane and trigger nerve impulses to the cochlear nerve.
Permanent displacement of the stereocilia away from the kinocilium would result in decreased tension on the tethers between the stereocilia, which would likely keep the ion channels closed, thereby preventing depolarization and the corresponding nerve impulses indicating sound.