Ever watch two farmers converse? There is likely to be a lot
of head cocking, uncomfortable smiling and an oft-repeated,
"Say what?"
That's because the roar of equipment used around the farm
takes its toll. Two-thirds of farmers surveyed in Minnesota
between 1990 and 2002 had moderate or significant hearing
loss. And the danger is not limited to full-time farmers
with big equipment. Mowers and chain saws can damage
eardrums, too. Even a few hours of exposure to loud noise
can reduce hearing.
"Noise is additive," says Dr. Steve Kirkhorn, a physician
and occupational and environmental health specialist with
the National Farm Medicine Center. "Exposure to it can build
up the damage to your hearing."
The best way to avoid hearing loss caused by noise exposure
is to spend a few bucks for the right kind of
hearing-protection equipment and use it.
Hearing-protection devices are measured for efficiency
according to a standard called the Noise Reduction Rating.
When choosing ear protectors, consider the NRR on the
package. The higher the NRR, the better.
After making your choice of hearing protectors and buying
them, it's important to keep them handy, Kirkhorn says. "If
you don't have them available, you're not going to use
them," he notes.
To shop for a good assortment of hearing-protection devices,
see www.gemplers.com. Following are three simple kinds of
hearing-protection devices that can reduce significantly
noise damage to the ear.
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Disposable Foam Ear
Plugs
These fit into the ear and shape themselves to the ear
canal. Of the devices listed here, these block the most
noise. They also have the highest
NRR.
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Molded Ear Plugs
These are reusable and the cheapest to use. Attached to a
string or a band worn round the neck, they are easy to put
in and take out. A drawback: the one-size-fits-all concept
can mean less effective noise blocking. Also, the ear plugs
must be cleaned before each use to prevent infection. Both
reusable and disposable ear plugs can trap dust and cause
earwax impaction.
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Earmuffs
These provide excellent sound reduction and are a breeze to
slip on. Eyeglasses, hats and facial hair can alter the fit,
though. Also, earmuffs can be uncomfortable in hot
conditions.