Farm Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Prevention.pdf

A 25-year-old farmer can have the ears of a 50-year-old without knowing it. Nothing can restore lost hearing, but noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. If exposed to loud farm noise without hearing protection, hearing loss can occur. Hearing protection can increase the ability to hear equipment or voices by cutting down background noise. Some earmuffs have amplification circuits to help hearing-impaired workers communicate. Protective earmuffs with built-in radios allow safe listening to music or sports while working. People find that protecting themselves from noise reduces stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The best way to avoid hearing loss is to reduce exposure by using quieter equipment or staying away from noise. Exposure to noise above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. A single nearby shotgun blast or dynamite explosion can also result in hearing loss. If you need to raise your voice to be heard at arm's length, the noise is likely loud enough to damage your hearing. Running a chain saw for only 2 minutes without proper hearing protection can cause hearing loss. A good hearing aid can help with conversation, but it does not make sound clearer like glasses make vision sharp. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can occur after exposure to loud noise and may show up before noticeable hearing loss. Hearing protection can reduce the risk of tinnitus. To protect your hearing, identify noisy tasks, wear hearing protection, make it convenient, reduce equipment noise, limit exposure, and have your hearing tested. There are various styles of hearing protectors available, including earplugs, canal caps, and earmuffs, which can be found online or in local stores. Only trust your ears to products designed as hearing protectors.