As an expert in the field of auditory health, I can provide you with a detailed explanation regarding the impact of loud music on hearing. It's important to understand that the human ear is a delicate organ, and exposure to high levels of sound can cause irreversible damage.

**Step 1: Understanding Decibels and Hearing Damage**
The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). The decibel scale is logarithmic, which means that a small increase in decibels can represent a significant increase in sound intensity. For instance, a sound that is 10 dB louder than another is actually 10 times more intense.

Normal Conversation is typically around 60 dB, while a rock concert can reach levels of 120 dB or higher. The risk of hearing damage increases significantly as the sound level and duration of exposure rise. Prolonged exposure to noise levels at or above 85 dB can lead to permanent hearing loss, as you've mentioned.

Step 2: Time and Intensity Relationship
The relationship between the intensity of sound and the duration of safe exposure is often represented by a chart known as the "Equal Energy Impulse" or the "Permissible Noise Exposure" chart. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), for every 3 dB increase above 85 dB, the permissible exposure time is halved. So, for example, at 88 dB, you can be exposed safely for half the time it takes to reach the same level of risk at 85 dB.

Step 3: Symptoms and Prevention
Symptoms of hearing damage can include temporary hearing loss (often referred to as "ringing in the ears" or tinnitus), discomfort, and eventually, permanent hearing loss. To prevent this, it's recommended to:

- Use hearing protection, such as earplugs, in loud environments.
- Limit the use of personal audio devices and keep the volume low.
- Take regular breaks from loud sounds.
- Maintain a safe distance from speakers and other sources of loud noise.

Step 4: The Role of Frequency
It's also important to note that not all frequencies are equally damaging. Higher frequencies can cause damage more quickly than lower frequencies. This is why some individuals might experience a loss of understanding speech (which is rich in high frequencies) before they notice a general hearing loss.

Step 5: Individual Susceptibility
Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss varies. Factors such as age, overall health, and genetic predisposition can influence how quickly a person's hearing may be affected.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, any sound above 85 dB has the potential to cause hearing damage if exposure is prolonged. The louder the sound and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk. It's crucial to protect your ears and limit exposure to loud music to preserve your hearing health.

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Listening to loud music for too long can damage sensitive structures in the inner ear and lead to permanent hearing loss. ... A person exposed to noise levels at 85 decibels or higher for a prolonged period of time is at risk for hearing loss.Aug 24, 2010read more >>