For many farmers, the sounds they hear daily may be slowly fading away. Lessons learned by their peers reveal preventive measures are frequently overlooked and by the time hearing loss is recognized, it is often too late to reverse the damage.
Hearing impairment is a real concern in agricultural communities, where constant exposure to loud equipment and animal noises takes a toll. One-third of U.S. farmers experience some hearing loss, according to the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Connected to health
Hearing loss is connected to overall health and well-being, says Saundra Harris, an industrial hygienist at Nationwide, a leading ag insurer. “Poor communication caused by impaired hearing in work settings can lead to safety issues and is associated with an increased risk of falls and other accidents.” She adds preventive measures and early intervention are important to slow hearing loss and maintain overall health.
The risks caught the attention of Lauren and Alyssa Roling, McCook Central FFA members from Salem, S.D., who conducted research on hearing involving 39 ag professionals. Their research revealed 65% of the participants in their study had mild to severe hearing loss. Nearly 75% of the participants reported they are exposed to agricultural noise, but do not wear hearing protection.
The Rolings have seen firsthand how agriculture impacts hearing ability. Their grandfathers have hearing loss and, while not as severe, their father and brother also experience difficulties with reduced hearing quality.
“We’ve watched our grandfathers struggle with hearing loss and have seen how it’s a challenge for them, trying to hear or read people’s lips,” says high school senior Lauren Roling. “We saw a big gap in hearing loss in agriculture. We wanted to determine how we can help people in agriculture evaluate their hearing and encourage protection.”
Vern Rafert, who farms near Holyoke, Colo., advises other farmers to take action if they detect hearing decline.
‘We didn’t know better’
Tips to prevent hearing loss
- Use hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when exposed to loud noises.
- Ensure hearing protection devices fit properly. Fit testing evaluates noise reduction and ensures proper fit for sufficient protection.
- Limit exposure to loud noises and take regular breaks to give ears a rest. Overnight recovery is best.
- Maintain equipment to reduce noise levels.
- Educate workers about the risks of hearing loss and importance of hearing protection.
- Regularly monitor hearing health through audiometric testing and seek early intervention if hearing loss is detected.
Source: Nationwide
With nearly six decades of farming experience, Vern Rafert admits to experiencing the challenges and disadvantages of noise-induced hearing loss. The Holyoke, Colo., farmer says he has been surrounded by agriculture his entire life, but like many of his generation, hearing protection wasn’t part of the daily routine.
“We didn’t know any better — no adults were doing it, so we didn’t either,” he says. “We had cabless tractors and the only thing we did was stuff cotton in our ears.” Rafert also served in the Army for two years, where he was exposed to explosions, but had no hearing protection.
As the years went on, his hearing declined. “It’s gotten worse the last couple of years,” Rafert says. “I’ve tried multiple hearing aids and spent a lot of money trying different solutions, but nothing helped. Now I’m getting cochlear implants.” Cochlear implants bypass the damaged part of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Accepted as normal
Hearing loss can be easy to ignore because it happens gradually and is not visually apparent, says Harris. Hearing loss results from repeated exposure to loud noises, she explains. The effects of overstimulation build each day, so hearing loss may not be noticeable until it’s too late.
The perception that hearing loss is a normal part of aging or the job may also contribute to not seeking help when sounds start to fade, Harris adds.
While actions can be taken to slow or prevent hearing loss, the impact of hearing loss cannot be reversed. Looking back, Rafert says he now knows how important it is to take hearing loss seriously.
“If you think your hearing is going, don’t just brush it off — go see a doctor,” Rafert says. “I put it off for a long time, but once you lose it, it’s gone. A doctor can help you figure out what’s best for you before it gets worse.”
The Roling sisters’ FFA project made a lasting impression on Lauren Roling, who says the time spent researching and learning from an audiologist has inspired her to consider a career in audiology. “I am so happy this work has sparked an interest in me. Hearing is something I’m really passionate about.”
Abigail Rogers contributed to this story.
Early signs of hearing loss
Saundra Harris, an industrial hygienist at insurance provider Nationwide, recommends being proactive about hearing health by identifying the following early signs of hearing loss and seeking medical advice if hearing is impaired.
- Difficulty hearing conversations: An early sign of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments. You may find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Tinnitus: A ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in the ears not caused by an external source signals compromised hearing.
- Muffled hearing: Sounds may seem muffled or less clear than usual, making it difficult to hear high-pitched sounds or distinguish between similar-sounding words.
- Increased sensitivity to noise: You may become more sensitive to everyday sounds, finding them uncomfortably loud or even painful.
- Difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds: NIHL often affects ability to hear high-frequency sounds, such as birds chirping or children’s voices.
- Feeling of fullness in the ears: You may have a sensation of fullness or pressure in your ears, similar to the feeling of losing altitude in an airplane.
- Avoiding situations: Making excuses to avoid locations that require hearing and understanding words, such as restaurants or loud gatherings, is a sign of hearing decline.
Check out the full Spring 2025 C magazine with this article and more.
Find details about ag-related hearing loss risks at the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health.
