Hearing Loss, Farmers and Agriculture Workers

Farmers are exposed regularly to machines that have the potential of damaging their hearing.  Controlling exposure to noise can be done by:

1. Reducing sound levels

2. Performing routine maintenance to lubricate or replace worn parts on machines

3. Isolation by working in cabs or enclosures.

4. Use personal protective equipment

5. Place PPTs in any area that is a high noise setting.

6. Limit daily exposure.  See this table for safe exposure durations and other ideas for reducing noise exposure. 

 

Other Resources

Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Agriculture
Fact sheet from Penn State Extension services on how to manage damaging noise levels on farms.

Fitting Ear Plugs
Tips on using ear protection with explicit instructions on proper fitting of ear plugs from the CDC.

How to Protect Your Kids' Hearing (Spanish and English)
Learn about noise levels, hearing protectors and more.

What Does Hearing Loss Sound Like?
Simulation of levels of hearing loss from the CDC.