When it comes to hearing loss, every patient is different. You could experience temporary or permanent hearing loss due to acoustic trauma, and it may affect one or both ears. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hearing loss occurs when noise damages hair cells, nerves, membranes, and other parts of the ear. If exposure to loud noise is temporary, it may only cause slight damage to the hair cells in the ears, which bend but then straighten again and restore your hearing to normal. If these hair cells and other parts of the ear are severely damaged, however, hearing cannot be restored naturally. Hearing aids and other devices may be needed to help you hear.