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Dr. Konstantina Stankovic explained that the auditory system can be more sensitive after being in a quiet environment, similar to how the visual system reacts to changes in light. This highlights the importance of gradual exposure to normal sound levels.

Hearing thresholds can predict the city someone lives in because different environments shape auditory experiences and sensitivities.

Hearing thresholds can be influenced by the sonic imprints of the environments we live in, such as cities with unique noise profiles.

Cities have unique sonic imprints that shape residents' hearing thresholds, affecting how they perceive sounds based on their environment.

Hearing is crucial not just for communication but also for emotional, relational, and cognitive well-being. Historical figures like Socrates and Helen Keller have highlighted the profound impact of sound on human experience.

Hearing thresholds can be influenced by the sonic environment of a city, affecting how people perceive sound based on where they live.

For every 3-decibel increase in sound intensity, the safe time exposure is halved. For example, 80 decibels is safe for 8 hours, but 83 decibels is only safe for 4 hours.

Dr. Konstantina Stankovic noted that phone manufacturers set lower volume thresholds for the European market compared to the American market, based on the assumption that Americans prefer louder sound levels.

Hearing loss is a huge problem, affecting 1.5 billion people and disabling half a billion. The World Health Organization estimates another billion will be affected by 2050. This issue is underappreciated and stigmatized, with many living in silence.

Hidden hearing loss can occur even if standard audiometric tests show normal results. This happens when synapses connecting sensory cells to neurons are damaged by loud sounds, leading to issues like tinnitus.