Hearing loss from loud blasts may be reversible as the related damage affects hair cells in the ear and auditory nerve cells rather than the cochlea.
Researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine examined the ears of mice, who had been exposed to extreme blasts over three months. They found that the noises did not tear the inner ear structure but mirrored what happens with lower noise exposure over time.
The findings suggest it may be a good idea to devise a treatment for immediately after loud blasts, as certain medications might limit hearing loss later on.
Read more at Stanford University