Challenges and strategies related to hearing loss among dairy farmers.

CONTEXT

Farming is often imagined to be a serene and idyllic business based on historical images of a man, a horse, and a plow. However, machinery and equipment on farms, such as older tractors, grain dryers, and vacuum pumps, can have noise levels, which may be dangerous to hearing with prolonged, unprotected exposure.

PURPOSE

This qualitative study in Ontario, Canada, explored the challenges and coping strategies experienced by dairy farmers with self-reported hearing loss and communication difficulties. Through in-depth interviews, 13 farmers who experience significant hearing loss were questioned about the challenges they face as a result of hearing loss and the strategies they use to overcome or compensate for problems.

FINDINGS

The 2 major challenges encountered by dairy farmers with a hearing loss were: (1) obtaining information from individuals, within groups, and through electronic media; and (2) working with animals, machinery, and noise. To cope with these challenges, participants used strategies identified as problem and emotion focused.

CONCLUSIONS

Four themes arose from analysis of the challenges encountered and strategies used: 1. Hearing loss is experienced as a "familiar," but "private," problem for dairy farmers. 2. Communication difficulties can negatively affect the quality of relationships on the farm. 3. Safety and risk management are issues when farming with a hearing loss. 4. The management or control of excessive noise is a complex problem, because there are no completely reliable yet practical solutions.