Figure 7.14: Warning: Noise can be dangerous These electron micrographs show hair cells on the basilar membrane of a guinea pig (a) before and (b) after exposure to 24 hours of sound at an intensity comparable to a rock concert. The tiny hairs are disarranged on some cells and completely destroyed on others. Notice also that the hair cells exist in four rows—three outer rows and one inner row.

Robert S. Preston and J..E. Hawkins, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan.