A pilot study to prevent hearing loss in farmers.
OBJECTIVE
Determine the feasibility and outcome of a pilot program to increase farm workers' use of hearing protection when performing activities with high noise exposure.


METHODS
The study was a quasi-experimental study.


METHODS
Eight intervention farmers and 17 comparison farmers participated in the study.


METHODS
Before and after the intervention, farmers completed a survey to identify their frequency of use of hearing protection, and their beliefs about hearing loss and use of hearing protection.


METHODS
The intervention consisted of noise assessments, educational sessions, mailed reminders with brochures, and placement of hearing protection on the farm.


RESULTS
The intervention was effective in increasing the use of hearing protection 1 and 2 months after the implementation of the program.


CONCLUSIONS
Hearing loss is a serious problem with farmers, and yet many farmers neglect to protect their hearing with the use of protection. The pilot study findings indicate that efforts to increase the use of hearing protection by farmers can be effective.
Gates
Donna M
DM
College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0038, USA. Donna.gates@uc.edu
Jones
M Susan
MS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004430:Ear Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires