From San Diego State University

Most of us think about protecting our eyes, our skin, and our backs while working outdoors. Hearing is just as important, but it’s often overlooked until it’s too late.

Ask someone who’s spent decades in agriculture about their hearing, and many will tell you they wish they had started protecting it sooner. Unlike a cut or a broken bone, hearing loss develops gradually, and once it’s gone, it can’t be restored. Growing evidence also suggests that untreated hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, making hearing protection an investment in long-term health as well as workplace safety.

Agriculture is a noisy industry. Tractors, harvesters, pumps, chainsaws, and other equipment can expose workers to noise levels that increase the risk of permanent hearing loss.

Fortunately, hearing loss is preventable. Identifying noisy tasks, maintaining equipment, providing properly fitted hearing protection, and training employees on when and how to use it can all help reduce the risk.

Protecting hearing helps employees stay healthy, safe, and productive throughout their careers.

We’re currently working with California growers to pilot-test a low-burden, bilingual, farm noise education program designed specifically for agricultural operations. The program provides practical, evidence-based education on noise hazards and hearing protection that fits the realities of agricultural work. Grower feedback is helping us ensure the program is relevant and easy to implement on operations of all sizes.

If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us at 442-409-8951 or lcoco@sdsu.edu.