What plays a fundamental role in determining hearing damage from noise exposure?

The fundamental role in determining hearing damage from noise exposure is primarily related to duration. Prolonged exposure to noise, even at lower decibel levels, can lead to cumulative damage in the auditory system. The longer the duration of exposure to harmful noise levels, the greater the likelihood of hearing impairment. This is why regulations on noise exposure in occupational settings often focus on both the intensity of the sound and the length of time individuals are exposed to it.

While other factors, such as amplitude (the loudness of the sound) and frequency (the pitch of the sound), play roles in how we experience sound and its potential effects on hearing, the duration of that exposure is particularly critical in assessing the risk of hearing loss. It’s not just about how loud the noise is, but also how long one is exposed to it that can lead to irreversible damage.