Points to Emphasize
Points to Emphasize
Farmers tend to have greater hearing loss than people in other occupations.
If possible, move away from the source of noise or take breaks from the noisy area.
Use some form of hearing protection when working in a noisy environment. Ensure they fit properly.
Develop an understanding of noise levels that could damage hearing.
Have your hearing tested to get a baseline and monitor for signs of hearing deterioration.
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 as 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 stress. 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.
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