Iowa
State University Extension
Farmers
are at increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Loud
machinery, such as tractors, combines, grinders, power tools,
mowers and elevators, are part of their daily work. Sounds
from animals, especially in enclosed buildings, often can
reach hazardous levels.
The
result is that farmers have a higher incidence of hearing
loss than people in other occupations. A central Iowa farm
health clinic found that 70 percent of farmers given a routine
hearing test had below-normal hearing for their age. At least
30 percent suffered hearing loss significant enough to warrant
an assistive hearing device.
A common
myth is that people who are "used to the noise" or can ignore
it won't suffer hearing loss. Without hearing protection,
physical damage to the inner ear occurs even when people are
able to adjust to noise.
Some
hearing loss occurs naturally as part of the aging process.
Generally, this does not become severe unless people are continually
exposed to excessive noise. Therefore, it is important to
avoid loud noises to prevent additional hearing loss.
Farmers,
however, often can't avoid noise, nor can they "sound-proof"
the equipment they use. Their best option is to wear hearing
protection devices, such as hearing muffs or plugs.
For
information about how to select the right kind of hearing
protection, contact the local extension office. A new SAFE
FARM publication, Lend an Ear to Hearing Protection, Pm-1518j,
also is available. Single copies of the publication are free.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
news release was distributed by Iowa State University Extension
as part of the Safe Farm Program. Safe Farm promotes health
and safety in agriculture. It is funded by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa State University,
and a network of groups that serve Iowa farm workers and their
families. Distribution date: October 1993.
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