The most vital area for normal hearing is the inner ear or cochlea. It is the area permanently damaged by noise. Very loud sounds make significant vibrations inside the ear that distort and tear the very delicate membranes and structures. The inner ear does not sense sharp pain. It does not warn you.
Most people think no noise pain, no danger.
Even if loud noise does not produce any sharp pain, it may still cause you damage. The Sound Thermometer gives you an idea on noise levels in decibels and length of exposure. Avoid loud noise. Loud bangs tend to be more damaging than continuous noise, particularly when they occur with no warning, which is mostly the case. Do not deliberately subject yourself to very high sound levels such as noisy machinery or loud rock concerts.