I am sure that we can all agree that we live in an increasingly noisy world. Not only does the overall noise level seem to be going up, but we are surrounded by a growing number of tools, toys, and other gadgets, that make noise and they make a lot of it. Some people may think a farm is a quiet place, but if you live or work on one, you know that isn’t always the case. Combines, tractors and even farm animals can create a noisy environment. If you live in the city or on a farm we all need to realize that the noise can be manmade or a part of nature, but they all or some of it can be putting your hearing at risk.
Hearing loss that occurs because of too much noise is called noise induced hearing loss. This hearing loss occurs when the tiny sensory cells in the inner ear are damaged by sounds that are too loud and that last too long. What is sad about hearing loss is this way is that it is preventable and once it hearing loss occurs it is permanent.
Studies show that children as young as 8 – 12 years of age, are at a great time to start learning healthy habits that can protect their hearing. It has been reported that almost half of people in the United States older than 65 have some degree of hearing loss. Most of the materials and information about earing protection has begun to look at the causes and not the after effects of hearing loss and ways that it can be prevented.
Sound is measured in units called decibels. The softest sound that healthy ears can hear is 0 decibels. By comparison, a whisper measures 30 decibels and a normal conversation measures 60 decibels.
A farm tractor without a cab or a pig squeal can reach 100 decibels or higher. A chainsaw can reach 110 decibels or higher while in use. It doesn’t matter if you work on a farm, in a factor or outside with a yard or a garden, remember, prolonged exposure to any noise at or above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss.
Your ears can be your warning system for potentially dangerous noise. The noise is to loud when: you have to raise your voice to be understood by someone standing nearby, the noise hurts your ears, you develop a buzzing or ringing sound in your ears, even temporarily, or you don’t hear as well as you normally do until several hours after you get away from the noise.
If you are around noise at this level, take protective actions. Some actions that can be taken are: Block the noise, this can be done by wearing earplugs or earmuffs, walk away from the noise, if possible turn down the sound, keep machinery running smoothly with routine maintenance, put a barrier between you and the noise, plan your work area and routine to limit your time near noise, turn machinery off when it is not needed or use idle or lower speeds whenever possible.
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include:
Muffling of speech and other sounds
Difficulty understanding words, especially against background noise or in a crowd
Trouble hearing consonants
Frequently asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly
Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio
Withdrawal from conversations
Avoidance of some social settings
How can we protect our families from excessive farm/home noise?
Be aware of noise levels that put hearing at risk
Get comfortable hearing protectors and get comfortable using them,
Let you family and others know situations where family members should practice safety.
It is important to remember the 4 P’s of Noise Induced Hearing Loss. It is painless, progressive, permanent, but it is also preventable!
Hearing loss can have a significant effect on your quality of life. Older adults with hearing loss may report feelings of depression. Because hearing loss can make conversation difficult, some people experience feelings of isolation. Hearing loss is also associated with cognitive impairment and decline.
When to see a doctor
If you have a sudden loss of hearing, particularly in one ear, seek immediate medical attention.
Talk to your doctor if difficulty hearing is interfering with your daily life. Age-related hearing
loss occurs gradually, so you may not notice it at first.
If you have questions about a variety of topics dealing with Family Consumer Science topics or Agriculture in Arkansas contact at the Newton County Extension office at 446-2240. The University of Arkansas division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity equal access and affirmative action institution.