To determine the type of cell death occurring and how the removal of damaged cells proceeds following overstimulation, we examined chick basilar papillae using an in situ DNA nick end labeling method and transmission electron microscopy. Two distinct modes of hair cell loss were identified. First, hair cells which had not progressed into typical cell death processes, apoptosis or necrosis, were deleted by extrusion from the epithelium just after sound exposure. Second, hair cells manifested degeneration through the process of apoptosis, then further deterioration within the epithelium after the beginning of the process of hair cell regeneration. The latter mode may contribute to the following repair processes.