Exposure to traumatic noise—sound intensities above 105 dB(A) sustained for about one hour, or briefer exposure to very high intensities such as a firearm discharge—causes permanent hearing loss. The damage arises from destroyed or damaged hair cells, and unlike temporary hearing loss, it does not resolve after the noise exposure ends.

Permanent Hearing Loss from Traumatic Noise Exposure

Traumatic noise levels are sound intensities above 105 dB(A) sustained for about one hour, a threshold well recognized to cause significant permanent hearing loss. Even much shorter exposures can be traumatic if intensity is high enough; for example, firearm discharge (>130 dB(A)) for only a few seconds.

State University of New York at Buffalo

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Excessive noise exposure could produce permanent damage to the auditory system. Depending on the noise levels you are exposed to, there could be different long-term outcomes individuals could experience. 
Exposure is typically categorized into three classes:
- Traumatic Noise Levels
- Threatening Noise Levels
- Safe Noise Levels




Exposure on levels of noise causing hearing loss  

Threatening noise is sounds range between 90dB(A)-105dB(A), with exposure times of 2 hours or more. Often cause temporary hearing loss.

Example: Concerts, or night clubs

Threatening Noise Levels

Noise levels below 80 dB(A). It have been considered harmless for the auditory system for any exposure duration. However, recent research shows how these non traumatic noise could cause damage.

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