A single exposure of several hours duration to continuous music at 100 dB SPL will most likely produce:

A single exposure of several hours duration to continuous music at 100 dB SPL will most likely produce:

• A. Tinnitus and a temporary threshold shift in high frequencies
• B. Tinnitus and a distortion of speech perception
• C. A temporary threshold shift in the low frequencies
• D. A permanent threshold shift

Answer: (A)

A single exposure to continuous music at 100 dB SPL for several hours is likely to lead to tinnitus and a temporary threshold shift in high frequencies due to the high intensity of sound. Sounds at this volume are considered within the range that can cause auditory damage, particularly with extended exposure. Tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or noise in the ears, often arises as a result of auditory system overexposure to loud sounds. The high frequencies are typically more vulnerable to damage from intense sounds, which explains why the temporary threshold shift — a temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity often seen after exposure to loud noises — is most commonly observed in this frequency range. In contrast, while distortion of speech perception or permanent threshold shifts can occur with excessive auditory exposure, the specific effects of a single exposure at this amplitude for this duration make the first choice the most probable outcome. Since the question highlights acute exposure, it suggests reversible effects rather than permanent ones.

A single exposure to continuous music at 100 dB SPL for several hours is likely to lead to tinnitus and a temporary threshold shift in high frequencies due to the high intensity of sound. Sounds at this volume are considered within the range that can cause auditory damage, particularly with extended exposure.

Tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or noise in the ears, often arises as a result of auditory system overexposure to loud sounds. The high frequencies are typically more vulnerable to damage from intense sounds, which explains why the temporary threshold shift — a temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity often seen after exposure to loud noises — is most commonly observed in this frequency range.

In contrast, while distortion of speech perception or permanent threshold shifts can occur with excessive auditory exposure, the specific effects of a single exposure at this amplitude for this duration make the first choice the most probable outcome. Since the question highlights acute exposure, it suggests reversible effects rather than permanent ones.