Noise exposure is something we all deal with day to day, either from our job or recreational activities we may take part in. Exposure to noise in a workplace such as a factory is hazardous due to the continuous exposure an employee may have over the course of the workday. Many companies are required to have hearing conservation programs per their regulatory agencies (OSHA, MSHA FRA, DOD) to preserve hearing and prevent hearing loss. In some cases, companies can reduce noise exposure by focusing on the source of the noise, but often employees must use hearing protection.
Noise exposure causes a very gradual hearing loss but when it happens it is a permanent loss. If you work for a company that has a hearing conservation program, you will be aware of these changes as you are testing each year. For farmers this can be a different story. Most farmers likely don’t get a hearing test each year, some may never have since they were in school. The change due to noise exposure can be so gradual that it is not noticed until it is significant.
So, how loud is too loud?
In terms of numbers, 85 dBA (decibels) is loud enough to cause hearing loss. However, keep in mind that not everyone is affected by noise equally and some people could sustain loss with exposures down to 80 dB. Farming typically isn’t continuous noise, so how do you know if you are around too much noise?
- Use the three foot rule: If you are standing three feet away from someone and have to shout to be heard, it is too loud.
- If you have been working with a piece of equipment and you notice your ears are ringing when you step away, it is too loud.
- Certainly, if your ears hurt, it is way too loud.
How loud are things on the farm?
Keep in mind that 85 dBA is loud enough to cause hearing loss.
- Gunshot | 120-150 dBA
- Grain Dryer | 105-110 dBA
- Circular saw | 105-110 dBA
- Squealing pigs | 100 dBA
- Tractor without cab | 95 dBA
- Tractor, enclosed cab | 80 dBA (no radio on)
- Combine, full throttle in cab | 90 dBA
- Chain Saw | 115 dBA
- Shop Vac | 120 dBA
- Riding Lawn Mower | 102 dBA
To put these things in perspective regarding how long you could use these items WITHOUT hearing protection, a shop vac could be used without hearing protection for 30 minutes.
That doesn’t mean 30 minutes in a row,
that means 30 minutes in an 8-hour day,
even if the time used was only a minute or two at a time. You can safely use a riding lawn mower for about 9 minutes per day without hearing protection. Think about how long you use these items in a typical day…. Are you protecting your ears?
Symptoms that you may already have hearing loss from noise
- Ringing (tinnitus)
With first exposures to loud noise, this may be temporary, however with repeated exposures, it can become permanent as the hearing loss starts to get worse. Ringing may be the symptom you notice before you notice any actual hearing loss.
- People sound like they are mumbling.
This is a common complaint of someone that has lost their hearing due to noise exposure. They hear people talking but don’t understand what they are saying. This is exasperated when they are in areas with a lot of background noise, such as a restaurant.
- Sensitivity to loud sounds.
As you lose your hearing due to noise exposure, you may notice that your tolerance to loud sounds lessons; this is called hyperacusis. Think of those times when you have been around small children and those who are playing and laughing or screaming, this can be uncomfortably loud.
So how can you protect your ears?
- Buy quiet – some manufacturers offer equipment that is designed to be quieter
- Keep maintenance up on equipment, mufflers, bearings, etc. and other worn parts can cause louder noise
- Step away from the noise, using equipment with cabs can greatly reduce noise.
- Use hearing protection. Earmuffs and earplugs are readily available for your use. Earmuffs are typically easiest to put on correctly, but you will want to keep some earplugs around as well as working under equipment, the earmuffs may get in the way.
The effects of exposure to noise can cause many issues, from hearing loss, stress on the body, and safety issues. It can lead to communication issues which can cause issues with relationships and can affect your mental health.
Remember this - noise exposure can affect your hearing no matter how old you are and even if you already have hearing loss you can preserve the hearing you do have by protecting it.
