Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s: What Safety Leaders Need to Know

What is the link between hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease?

Multiple studies have found that untreated hearing loss is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Research published in The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention highlights hearing loss in midlife as a major contributor to cognitive decline. The theory is that when the brain struggles to process degraded sound signals, it diverts resources from other critical functions, accelerating cognitive load and decline.

Is noise-induced hearing loss different from age-related hearing loss?

Yes. While age-related hearing loss develops gradually as part of the natural aging process, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs from repeated or prolonged exposure to unsafe noise levels—often in workplace environments. Unlike presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), NIHL is preventable. That makes it a crucial area of focus for employers who want to protect long-term worker health.

Why does untreated hearing loss increase dementia risk?

There are three main pathways researchers point to:

• Cognitive Load: The brain works harder to interpret distorted sounds, leaving fewer resources for memory and thinking.
• Brain Structure Changes: Imaging studies show that untreated hearing loss can accelerate brain atrophy in auditory and memory-processing regions.
• Social Isolation: People with hearing loss are more likely to withdraw from conversations and social interactions—both of which are critical to maintaining cognitive resilience.

What role does workplace noise play in this connection?

Workplace noise is a hidden driver of long-term health risks. Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to noise levels that can damage hearing, even if exposures fall below OSHA’s 85 dBA action level. Left unaddressed, this damage accumulates over years, silently increasing the likelihood of both permanent hearing loss and downstream health effects such as dementia.

If hearing loss is preventable, what should employers be doing now?

Proactive employers should take steps beyond compliance minimums:

• Baseline Audiogram and Annual Audiogram: Track employee hearing over time to detect early changes.
• Noise Exposure Monitoring and Exposure Separation: Document exposure levels, utilize personal noise dosimetry and area noise monitoring to determine hazardous noise exposure.
• Education and Training: Help employees understand that hearing protection is not just about today’s comfort, but tomorrow’s health.
• Voluntary Programs Below 85 dBA: Even if OSHA doesn’t require it, monitoring moderate noise exposures can dramatically reduce long-term liability and improve employee trust.

Can hearing protection lower Alzheimer’s risk?

Yes. By preventing or slowing hearing loss, hearing protection indirectly reduces the risk factors associated with dementia. A recent Johns Hopkins study showed that older adults with hearing aids had a significantly lower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who left hearing loss untreated. Protecting hearing now is an investment in lifelong brain health.

Key Takeaways

• Hearing loss is not just an ear issue, it’s a brain health issue.
• Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, but once it occurs, the damage is permanent.
• Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease through cognitive overload, brain atrophy, and social isolation.
• Employers who ignore “moderate” workplace noise exposures (75–84 dBA) and noise-induced hearing loss may be overlooking a major long-term health risk.
• Proactive hearing conservation programs and NIHL prevention provide measurable protection, reduce liability, and safeguard both hearing and cognitive health.

Bottom Line: Protecting employees from noise today does more than prevent hearing loss, it may also protect their minds tomorrow.

‍