This study investigates how lead exposure triggers cochlear synaptopathy and hearing loss in mice. Young-adult CBA/J mice were given lead acetate in drinking water for 28 days. We assessed hearing thresholds, outer hair cell activity, and synaptic changes in the cochlea. Lead exposure raises hearing thresholds, indicating cochlear synaptopathy. Notably affects synapses in the basal turn without impacting outer hair cells. In addition to this, lead altered the abundance of 352 synaptic proteins, with the synaptic vesicle cycle pathway prominently affected. Lead-induced cochlear synaptopathy targets basal cochlear regions, implicating synaptic vesicle cycle signaling in hearing loss. Revealing specific mechanisms behind lead-induced hearing deficits enhances targeted interventions and preventive strategies, advancing our understanding of lead induced hearing loss.