Hearing loss is common among farmers, with many facing irreversible damage due to prolonged exposure to loud machinery.
Why it matters
Hearing loss is a growing problem among farmers, with about half experiencing noise-induced hearing loss.
"To tell someone, based on our screening, that you have slight hearing loss ... it doesn't feel like an emergency situation. At that point, it's irreversible, what's done is done. We try to help people maintain what hearing they do have, but …" —Josie Rudolphi, Ph.D. in an interview with My Journal Courier
Their Challenges
Farmers face unique challenges in preventing hearing loss. For example —
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Farms are exempt from OSHA workplace-noise regulations.
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Farmers need help with consistent hearing protection due to the varying work environments and equipment.
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It's not only farmers who are at risk but also their families, especially children exposed to loud noise without hearing protection.
"I see a lot of, oh, yeah, they know they have (hearing loss) 'Oh, yeah, I definitely have it; it comes with the job; Dad had it, Granddad had it, now I have it.'" —Dr. Rudolphi
Help in Illinois
Josie Rudolphi, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, works to raise awareness in the farming community.
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She points out that hearing loss is usually gradual, goes unnoticed, and can lead to severe health issues like hypertension, high blood pressure, and cognitive decline.
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The University of Illinois's AgrAbility program coordinates health screenings and educates farmers about hearing protection, sound levels, and how long it’s safe to use loud equipment.
"We’re promoting the use of hearing protection devices and handing out earplugs. We're teaching people about sound levels, about how long you should be working with equipment based on how loud it is." —Josie Rudolphi, Ph.D.
Hearing health starts here
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Don't let untreated hearing loss rob you of your health and happiness.
