Farming

agriculture

Hearing Protection For Farmers & Agricultural Workers

Perhaps more than any other occupational group, agricultural workers are exposed to a tremendous variety of environmental hazards that are potentially harmful to their health and well-being. Agriculture can generate high noise levels. Tractors, forage harvesters, silage blowers, chain saws, skid-steer loaders, grain dryers, squealing pigs and guns are some of the most typical sources of noise on the farm. Studies suggest that lengthy exposure to these high sound levels have resulted in noise induced hearing loss to farmers of all ages, including teenagers.


Low Frequency Noise Protection

Low frequency noise from engines, motors and fans is prevalent in many farming environments. This noise is not easily eliminated with traditional passive hearing protection devices. Low frequency noise waves are long and carry great distances. They can penetrate passive barriers like foam earcups or even cement walls (which is why you can hear the bass of your neighbor's stereo).


Agricultural Noise Sources

dB Level

Agricultural Machinery

Cascade grain drier

93

Cross flow grain drier

94

Green crop drier

94

Roller/crusher mill for feed preparation

92

Hop cleaner/picker

94

Vegetable preparation area/packing shed

92

Beet harvester

92

Tracklayer 

98

Blower/duster (man carried)

89

Chain saw 

104

Turkey plucker

100

Turkey house

94

Orchard sprayer

85-100


 

Agricultural Noise Sources

dB Level

Use of Tractors

Disc mower

91

High density baler

97

Hedge cutter

90

Orchard sprayer

98

Straw chopper

90

With cab

73-90

Without cab

91-99

Full throttle

105

Full load

120

All terrain vehicle

100