> a sudden loud noise is perceived as extraordinarily and painfully loud AIUI this is normally handled by the stapedial reflex[0], which is not simply "passive

> a sudden loud noise is perceived as extraordinarily and painfully loud AIUI this is normally handled by the stapedial reflex[0], which is not simply "passive" dampening, but indeed active muscle action! So the comparison below may be very apt: > similar principle to weightlifting to stress your muscles so they grow stronger in response Interestingly enough, I find that since I started WFH + being unable to go out less (parenthood) I have a hard time bearing sudden loud noises (feels like being punched while caught off guard and not having time to brace for impact)... It may turn out that this reflex which used to be very efficient is now dramatically less so these days. Never thought about it this way, I just thought that I was, like, "getting older"... Tangentially: I cannot stand active noise cancellation, it creates an instant feeling of pressure on my eardrums, which is uneasy for a few minutes until I "get used" to it... until I disable it or remove the headset, and the immediate feeling of relief only highlights that there was some form of constant stress applied unto my ears. Consequently you'll pry my collection of (wired) earcans from my cold dead hands. [0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_reflex https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_reflex