Which of the following conditions can lead to Temporary Threshold Shift?

Temporary threshold shift refers to a temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity that can occur after exposure to loud sounds. Sudden exposure to loud noise is a leading cause of this condition. The loud sound can damage the hair cells in the cochlea temporarily, causing a shift in hearing sensitivity. Although the hearing may often recover after a period of time without further exposure to loud sounds, during the period of temporary threshold shift, individuals may notice difficulties in hearing softer sounds or have a reduced ability to discriminate between different sounds.

In contrast, prolonged exposure to other conditions, such as consistent low-level noise exposure and normal aging, typically leads to more permanent forms of hearing loss or permanent threshold shift, rather than a temporary condition. Long periods without sound generally do not result in threshold shifts, as hearing sensitivity primarily decreases due to the intensity of sounds rather than an absence of sound. Thus, the option highlighting sudden exposure to loud noise accurately captures the main cause of temporary threshold shift.