Rural Health Matters: Hearing Protection During Harvest

Dr. Jeffrey Gold explains how repeated exposure to farm noise can affect hearing.

OMAHA, Neb. (RFD News) — Loud machinery and other noise can put farmers at risk for hearing loss, especially after years of repeated exposure.

University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us on Wednesday’s Rural Health Matters to discuss hearing health as harvest and hunting seasons get underway.

In his conversation with RFD News, Gold said nearly four out of five farmers in one recent study experienced some level of significant hearing loss. He says farmers should consider hearing protection when noise makes it difficult to hear someone speaking nearby.

Gold also warned children can be especially sensitive to loud noises and encouraged families to watch for signs of hearing problems and seek professional care when needed.

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Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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