Out-of-Control Positive Feedback

Question: If fluid vibration in the inner ear is afferently transduced by the inner hair cells, and at some point efferent energy is received by the outer hair cells … and then with an altered fluid mechanical vibration, the signal is AGAIN TRANSDUCED afferently via the inner hair cells… how many of these feedback loops are possible before “running out of energy” and is the phrase “running out of energy” an appropriate metaphor for this?…and if not, why not?