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Prevention better than cure for hearing loss
21 July 2009
- Farm Safety Week, July 20 to 25 -
Poor hearing is not necessarily a natural consequence of growing old. Studies have shown that some farmers experience substantial noise induced hearing loss by age 30.
Noise injury affects the hearing of up to two thirds of the farming community, both young and old.
Hunter New England Health is encouraging farmers during Farm Safety Week to think about ways to protect their hearing while on the farm – and to have a hearing check up.
Armidale Community Health Centre Nurse Audiometrist Narelle Clayton said noise injury is caused when excessive noise damages the thousands of tiny hair cells in the inner ear (cochlear).
Noise-induced hearing loss rarely involves total hearing loss or deafness. However, the damage cannot be repaired and hearing aids can do little good.
Signs of noise injury and hearing loss include:
• Difficulty hearing on the telephone, watching television, in meetings or during conversations at work, or when there is background noise
• Tinnitus (noises in the ears or head)
• You lose the ability to tell musical tone
“The process of hearing loss through noise injury is not something that causes pain, it happens over time. And although it’s permanent, it’s also preventable,” Ms Clayton said.
Ms Clayton said ear muffs or ear plugs are both suitable forms of hearing protection, but they must fit well, be clean, seal well and be Australian Standards-approved.
“We’re encouraging farmers to reduce farm noise and exposure wherever possible, as well as using hearing protection,” she said.
Tips include:
• Using a quieter alternative where possible
• Put up noise barriers or insulated walls to isolate workers from noise
• Place and maintain mufflers on motorised equipment
• Rearrange workshop layout to dissipate noise
• Regularly maintain equipment – engines, seals, brackets
• Limit time exposed to noise in any one day (rotate tasks)
• Provide hearing protection and information to workers, including safety signs for noisy areas and encourage them to wear it.
Finally, it’s important for farmers who think they have experienced hearing loss to have a hearing test done. Contact your local community health centre to arrange a hearing test or visit the Hunter New England Health stall at Ag-Quip in Gunnedah next month.
Information on farm safety risks and controls are available at www.farmsafe.org.au
(HNE-1922)
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183
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