Farm Safety Association, Inc.
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The
following script can be used to deliver a 15-minute training
session to employees. You may wish to have some acoustical
ear muffs and ear plugs on hand to demonstrate personal protective
devices.
The text emphasizes important points related to hearing loss
prevention. It is suggested that you try to stay strictly
on topic. Obviously, you will need to be prepared to answer
questions.
POINTS
TO EMPHASIZE:
- Farmers
tend to have greater hearing loss than people in other
occupations.
- Use
some form of hearing protection when working in a
noisy environment.
- Develop
an understanding of noise levels that could damage
hearing.
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Be
aware of the hazard
Farmers typically have greater hearing loss than people in
other occupations. This is likely due to frequent and continuous
exposure to loud noise produced by farm equipment, a barn
full of squealing pigs, etc.
How is your hearing? Is it is good as it was a year ago? A
decline in the ability to hear is less obvious than losses
of other senses. It occurs slowly, usually over a number of
years. You may not even realize that your hearing is gradually
decreasing, because there is no pain. Often, people who have
experienced considerable hearing loss will tend to speak loudly.
Sound and noise
Sound is measured in logarithmic units of sound pressure,
called decibels. Values range from zero to 140. The bottom
end of the scale represents the acute threshold of human hearing.
The noise level inside an acoustically insulated tractor cab
is usually about 85 decibels. A shot gun blast produces 140
decibels of sound pressure energy.
Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Loud noises increase heart
rate and energy use. This can contribute to fatigue, discomfort,
and mental ease.
However, the primary effect of noise is loss of hearing. Abusing
the ears with loud noises shifts the hearing threshold upward,
so that a person can only hear louder sounds.
You might have experience this after working in a noisy environment
for several hours. When you stop, your ears may ring, and
your hearing doesn't seem normal. Hearing will usually return
to normal overnight. However, repeated exposure to excessively
loud noises will eventually result in permanent hearing loss.
When noise exposure goes down, people often
- Show
fewer signs of stress
- Have
more energy.
- Experience
less hearing loss.
How much
is too much?
Health and safety experts suggest that 90 decibels is the maximum
noise level that a person should be exposed to over the course
of an 8-hour day. An uncabbed tractor, power mower, or snowmobile
produces approximately 100 decibels, and safe exposure time
is only two hours. Feeding time noise levels in livestock barns
may be even higher.
Preserve this vital sense
Once damage to hearing has occurred, it is impossible to repair.
Everyone should take steps to protect their hearing in the farm
workplace.
If you are aware of the sources of noise, you can make better
decisions about protecting your hearing. Some examples have
already been cited. Charts are available that list sound levels
produced by different types of equipment and in various working
environments. More precise readings require use of a decibel
meter.
When it comes to protecting your hearing, it is best to error
on the side of caution. Following are the most basic precautions
that all of us should take to prevent hearing loss in the workplace.
- Limit
the length of noise exposure time.
- Stay
as far away from noise sources as possible. Doubling the
distance from the source reduces the sound pressure to one-fourth
its level.
- Use
ear protection for all noisy jobs.
- rubber
or plastic ear plugs fit into the ear canal and are
effective noise suppressers. A snug fit is important.
- acoustical
ear muffs provide the most effective protection against
noise. They don't contribute to infection and discomfort
as do ear plugs, which fit tightly and carry dirt to the
ear canal. Ear muffs block more noise than plugs because
they also cover the sound conducting bones around the ears.
Check
your hearing
Your hearing ability can be checked by audiometric testing.
Various organizations often set up testing booths at farm trade
shows. Hospitals and audiologists will also conduct hearing
tests.
It is a good idea to have your hearing assessed. The procedure
will let you know whether or not you have already experienced
significant hearing loss.
As pointed out earlier, noise-induced hearing loss can't be
reversed. However, by recognizing the hazard and taking protective
measures, you can guard against further loss of this precious
sense.
Are there any questions?
Finally, let's take a moment to review some of the "Do's"
and "Don'ts" related to hearing protection.
DO:
- Wear
hearing protection for all noisy jobs.
- Get
a proper fit!
- Stay
as far away from the source of noise as possible.
- Have
your hearing tested to establish a "base"
line.
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DONT:
- Refuse
to wear eat protection because you find it uncomfortable.
- Ignore
any indications that your hearing has deteriorated.
- Remain
in a noisy environment for an extended period.
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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: 10/2003
The information and recommendations contained in this publication
are believed to be reliable and representative of contemporary
expert opinion on the subject material. The Farm Safety Association
Inc. does not guarantee absolute accuracy or sufficiency of
subject material, nor can it accept responsibility for health
and safety recommendations that may have been omitted due
to particular and exceptional conditions and circumstances.
Copyright © 2002
Copyright © 2002 Farm Safety Association Inc.
22-340 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1H 7K6 (519) 823-5600.
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