Intense low-frequency sound alters inner ear function even though we barely hear it

Evidence

The perceptual insensitivity to low frequency (LF) sound in humans has led to an underestimation of the physiological impact of LF exposure on the inner ear. It is known, however, that intense, LF sound causes cyclic changes of indicators of inner ear function after LF stimulus offset, for which the term “Bounce” phenomenon has been coined. — Dijk, Pim van, Physiology, Psychoacoustics and…, 3700

Categorization

• QUESTION: Why does perceptual insensitivity mask physiological impact — what is the adaptive or mechanical reason LF sound reaches the inner ear despite being inaudible?
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Dijk, Pim van, Physiology, Psychoacoustics and…, 3700