In order to disclose the actual physiological responses to Industrial Noise, a medley of Heavy Metal Music and Classical Music, 10 hearing physiologically normal subjects (Ss) participated in test series with 4 sound exposures which were characterized by the same level of 94 dB(A) over 1 h, each. In a first test series the Ss were exposed to White Noise as a reference sound exposure. In a second test series a prototype of Industrial Noise was applied. In a third test series typical Heavy Metal Music was utilized and in the fourth test series Classical Music was provided. The physiological responses to the 4 exposures were recorded audiometrically via the temporary threshold shift TTS₂, the restitution time t(0 dB), and the IRTTS value which represents the total physiological cost the hearing must “pay” for the sound exposure. The results show again, in accordance with prior investigations, that the energy equivalent approach of rating sound exposures leads to gravely misconceiving assessments of their actual physiological cost. Industrial Noise with an IRTTS value of 631 dBmin in relation to 424 dBmin quantified as responses to White Noise brought about an increase of approximately 50 % in the total physiological cost. Heavy Metal Music was also associated with tremendous physiological cost (637 dBmin). Classical Music was accompanied by the slightest temporary threshold shifts which also disappeared very quickly. The temporary threshold shifts resulting from this type of music added up to an IRTTS value of only 160 dBmin. Related to the physiological responses to Industrial Noise or Heavy Metal Music, Classical Music caused only one quarter of the physiological cost. Because Heavy Metal Music like Industrial Noise causes multiple temporary threshold shifts compared to that of Classical Music, it can be concluded that those who listen to that modern type of music take a high risk of permanent hearing threshold shifts in the long run.