The Rural Voice, 1982-10, Page 30Excessive noise
results in
hearing Toss
The Farm Safety \ssociation's new
audiometric testing program has sparked
tremendous interest at agricultural meet-
ings across rural Ontario.
The Association launched this project
to increase the farming public's awareness
of the damaging effects of excessive noise
levels. "In doing so, we are able to
advocate noise reduction through better
equipment maintenance," 'a\. Jim Ross,
the Association's senior safety consultant.
"We have found considerable hearing
loss, particularly in the higher frequency
range, among older farmers," Ross
reports. "We point out that such hearing
loss could he the result of long-term
exposure to excessive noise, and is not
necessarily related to the aging pros:: -
Some young farmers also hay ,t
significant hearing loss. Consultants try
to determine if this is only a temporary
hearing shift, or perhaps a result of
illness_ Regardless of age. all subjects go
away from the test N%ith a much greater
appreciation of the permanent hearing
damage that noise can cause.
"Participants are provided with a7 fact
sheet on noise," adds Ross. "We are
thinking of having farmers fill out a
questionnaire in order to provide us with
more information on work-related hear-
ing toss."
The Association is trying to limit the
FARM ADVICE
testing program to major farm cLits that
do not attract urban people. Says Ross,
"This makes better use of our time, and
ensures that subjects will have been
exposed to on-farm noise hazards."
The Association recently purchased a
noise meter that can be used to evaluate
hazards posed by particular machinery.
Staff are also being trained for correct use
of this equipment. Ross says consultants
will use the meter to evaluate noise levels
for farmers upon written request.
-FARM FOLLIES
fir I
awe
Nes
I in out meeting some of the farmers in this area,
to see the different types of operations. What do
you keep...Herefords or Heifers?
r, -
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