Cover your ears

Jun 30, 2008 12:46 PM, By Sarah Day

Hearing protectors for farm noise limit risk of hearing loss

E-A-R flex premolded tips are semi-insert, nonirritating plugs ideal for intermittent use. They feature an NRR of 27 dB, which the company claims is the highest available in semi-insert hearing protection. Contact Amerisafe Inc., Dept. FIN, 3990 Enterprise Ct., Aurora, IL 60504, 630/862-2650.

Earmuffs. Earmuffs cover the entire ear to block out noise. The latest technology is noise-canceling earmuffs, which reduce noise to a safe level while allowing wearers to hear warning signals and other people, says Jeffrey Birkner, vice president of technical services for Moldex-Metric. Some earmuffs come with an AM/FM radio. Glasses, hair or hats may impede protection by breaking the cushioned seal.

Electronic earmuffs from Elvex (model Com-655, Level Dependent) use an impact filter to eliminate outside noise by closing the sound you hear after sensing the sound wave from the noise. The filter will then open after the loud sound has passed. Suggested retail price is $69. Contact Elvex Corp., Dept. FIN, 13 Trowbridge Dr., Bethel, CT 06801, 800/888-6582.

The NoiseBuster Active Noise Reduction (ANR) Safety Earmuffs are industrial grade and have an audio input so you can use the product in a noisy setting and listen to music or radio programming without overamplifying. The earmuffs combine passive hearing protection (with an NRR of 26) with the most advanced ANR technology. Suggested retail price is $149. Contact Pro Tech Technologies Inc., Dept. FIN, 217 Westport Rd., Wilton, CT 06897, 203/210-7230.

Proper fit
A hearing protection device must fit properly for maximum protection. Birkner says a simple way to test fit is to cup your hands over the hearing protection when you enter a noisy area. If you hear a difference with your hands cupped, the device probably does not fit correctly.

Have your hearing tested regularly, starting at a young age. Many insurance companies will cover the cost but may require a physician’s order. Call your insurance company to see if your plan covers hearing tests. If paid out of pocket, hearing tests cost around $100 to $150. If you detect a problem, such as ringing in the ears, have your hearing checked immediately.

4 ways to block noise

1. Make hearing protection readily accessible on farms, especially in noisy areas.
2. Put more distance between you and the noise, which is the easiest way to decrease noise level.
3. Look for a tractor’s noise-level rating before buying. Some tractor companies use their noise reduction rating as a selling point. Newer tractors are generally better at muffling sound. But turning on the radio or opening windows can reduce or eliminate the muffling effect.
4. Keep up with routine maintenance on equipment, such as greasing bearings and replacing old mufflers.