Noise prevention

Using loud machines and tools on farms – such as tractors, augers, firearms, chainsaws, radios and tools in the workshop – can cause permanent hearing loss if you’re not careful. 

Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels (dB) damages the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, leading to irreversible hearing loss. For example, chainsaws can reach up to 120 dB – and that’s so loud that without hearing protection, you could start damaging your ears in just 8 seconds! 

Noise is considered dangerous when:  

• It averages over 85 dB across an eight-hour period. 
• It peaks at 140 dB or higher (e.g. firing a gun). 

Repeated exposure to loud noises over days, weeks, or years compounds the damage, often making hearing loss a slow but permanent process that may go unnoticed until it becomes severe. 

Signs that you may have hearing loss

• You find it hard to hear people talking in noisy places. 
• You don’t always hear your phone ring. 
• Others may say that the TV or radio is too loud, but it sounds fine to you. 
• You’re constantly asking others to repeat what they have just said. 
• You hear ringing in your ears after being near loud equipment (tinnitus). 
• People complain that you talk too loudly. 

How to protect your hearing  

• Can you do the task in a way that reduces your exposure to farm noise? 
• Choose quieter equipment when buying or replacing machinery and tools. 
• Keep machinery well maintained so that it runs as quietly as possible. 
• If possible, rearrange work areas to alter your proximity to loud machines or equipment. 
• Insulate cabins to further reduce noise. 
• Limit the time spent working close to loud machinery. Try rotating work tasks. 
• Download a noise meter app on your phone to check how loud farm equipment, machinery and tools are. 
• Wear Class 5 hearing ear plugs or ear muffs.   
• Make sure you know the correct way to insert and use earplugs. 

Getting your hearing checked 

A hearing test can show how well you hear different sounds. It can help figure out if there’s any hearing loss and how serious it is. You can talk to your doctor, audiologist or hearing specialist to learn more. 

For more info, visit the Better Health Channel to learn how hearing works and when to get tested. 

Fast facts: 

• Loud farm noise can cause permanent hearing loss.
• The best way to protect your ears is to wear proper hearing protection.  
• Ear plugs or ear muffs should be Class 5 and fit securely and comfortably.