What can result from long-term exposure to loud noise?

Long-term exposure to loud noise can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, which is a permanent condition resulting from damage to the hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. When these hair cells are exposed to excessive sound levels over time, they can become damaged and may not regenerate, leading to a gradual decline in the ability to hear certain frequencies, particularly high-pitched sounds.

This type of hearing loss typically occurs without any obstruction of sound waves, which distinguishes it from conductive hearing loss, where sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer or middle ear. Unlike findings associated with otitis media, which involves infection or fluid in the middle ear, noise-induced hearing loss is related specifically to the intensity and duration of sound exposure. Additionally, some individuals may experience no change in their hearing with prolonged loud noise exposure, but that scenario does not apply in cases where damage has occurred, thus reinforcing the validity of noise-induced hearing loss as the correct answer in this context.