What type of hearing loss can result from continuous exposure to loud sounds?

Continuous exposure to loud sounds is primarily associated with sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss occurs due to damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the auditory nerve pathways that connect the inner ear to the brain. Loud sounds can lead to a phenomenon known as noise-induced hearing loss, which happens when hair cells in the cochlea are overstimulated and begin to die off over time. The result of this damage is often irreversible and can lead to a gradual decline in hearing ability, particularly at certain frequencies.

In contrast, conductive hearing loss stems from issues in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from being transmitted to the inner ear effectively. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural components, while functional hearing loss may occur without identifiable physical damage in the auditory system, often linked to psychological factors. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how prolonged exposure to noise can specifically impair hearing through sensorineural mechanisms.