Hearing Loss And Hearing Conservation Practices In Rural High School Students

Noise at levels potentially damaging to the auditory system have been associated with agricultural activities for over 50 years (Bunch, 1937). Early studies concentrated on noise generated by tractors (Bunch, 1937; Lierle and Reger , 1958). Since these reports, many articles dealing with auditory sensitivity of agricultural workers and/or sound levels associated with agricultural activities have appeared (Ouzts, 1969; Gregg, 1972; Jensen, 1966; Jones and Oser. 1968; Broste et. al.. 1989). Analysis of noise in agriculture was expanded considerably in a study by Matthews (1986). which included a wide variety of farm equipment as well as analysis of noise associated with chickens, pigs. and dairy cattle. A common conclusion of this research is that agriculture is a noisy professional pursuit.