Ellen
Abend
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Hearing
loss is one of the most widespread health problems in the
United States today. Over 20 million people experience some
form of hearing loss and yet, because it is painless and invisible,
many people refuse to admit that it exists.
One
of the most common causes of permanent hearing loss is exposure
to loud noises. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is
characterized by a loss of ability to distinguish high frequency
sounds, can affect all ages. This type of hearing loss depends
on the loudness of the noise (measured in decibels) and duration
of exposure to the noise. Farmers, workers, and family members
are potential victims of NIHL due to excessive noise exposure
and little use of hearing protection during routine farm work.
With
these factors in mind, the Cornell Farm Safety Research Team
and the Dryden Sertoma Club conducted a hearing screening
for anyone attending the 1993 Empire Farm Days held in Seneca
Falls, New York. Each volunteer participant had their hearing
screened for NIHL and then could consult with a certified
audiologist who made recommendations pertinent to the individual.
Of the
182 people who participated in the screening, 50 percent were
found to have experienced some degree of NIHL. Almost 76 percent
of these people lived on or worked on a farm. Included here
are some of the screening results from the farm participants.
Thirty-six
farm women were screened and 22 percent (8) showed evidence
of NIHL. None of the eight women used any hearing protection
when working on the farm, which may indicate that family members
do not realize the importance of everyone wearing hearing
protection while working.
In looking
at the 125 males that were screened, it was found that 78
percent (97) were associated with farms and 63 percent (61)
of these men showed evidence of NIHL. Of those with NIHL,
43 percent claimed they used hearing protection some of the
time, while 64 percent of the farmers who did not experience
NIHL did use hearing protection. All of the male farmers over
the age of 60 exhibited NIHL.
Many
of the people who participated in the screening did so because
they suspected they had hearing loss, therefore, no specific
conclusions can be drawn. However, the increasing trend of
NIHL shown in other research was evident. Farmers need to
be aware that noise induced hearing loss can be reduced if
hearing protection is worn regularly by everyone operating
equipment, power tools, or firearms.
Hearing
protection is available in many styles and types and can be
purchased at farm supply stores or through catalogues. Providing
protection that will prevent hearing loss is one positive
step toward promoting the health of everyone on the farm.
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
Ellen
Abend, Farm Safety Research, Cornell
Source:
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, Ithaca,
NY
Provider: Ag Information Services -- News & Publications,
Penn State
January 6, 1994
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