Noise and VibrationNoise and Vibration

How the Ear WorksHow the Ear Works

Causes of Hearing LossCauses of Hearing Loss

• Hair cells stop sending signals to Hair cells stop sending signals to the brainthe brain

• Chronic exposureChronic exposure

• One-time exposureOne-time exposure

Noise Induced Hearing Noise Induced Hearing LossLoss

• Hearing loss from exposure to Hearing loss from exposure to soundsound

• TimeTime

• Sound intensitySound intensity

SoundSound

• Measured in decibels (dB)Measured in decibels (dB)• Sounds over 85 decibels can cause Sounds over 85 decibels can cause

hearing losshearing loss• Equipment with noise levels over 85 Equipment with noise levels over 85

dBdB– Farm tractorsFarm tractors– Skid steersSkid steers– Chain sawsChain saws– Grain dryersGrain dryers– Lawn mowersLawn mowers

Intensity and TimeIntensity and Time

• 85 decibels for eight hours85 decibels for eight hours• For each 5 dB increase in intensity, For each 5 dB increase in intensity,

the exposure limit is cut in halfthe exposure limit is cut in half• 90 dB – 4 hours90 dB – 4 hours• 95 dB – 2 hours95 dB – 2 hours• 110 dB – 15 minutes110 dB – 15 minutes

Protect Your HearingProtect Your Hearing

1.1. Eliminate the source of Eliminate the source of the noise (or turn it off)the noise (or turn it off)

2.2. Stay away from the Stay away from the noise sourcenoise source

3.3. Use personal protective Use personal protective equipment when you equipment when you have to be near the have to be near the noise sourcenoise source

Help your hearingHelp your hearing

• Replace old or damaged mufflersReplace old or damaged mufflers

VibrationVibration

• Equipment vibration passes to the Equipment vibration passes to the operatoroperator

• Can cause health problems like back Can cause health problems like back aches, finger numbness and moreaches, finger numbness and more

Controlling VibrationControlling Vibration

• Keep machines tuned Keep machines tuned and running welland running well

• Replace old and worn Replace old and worn out seatsout seats

• Limit the amount of Limit the amount of time of exposure to time of exposure to excessive vibrationexcessive vibration

SummarySummary

• Noise and vibration are common Noise and vibration are common hazards on farmshazards on farms

• Too much noise can cause hearing Too much noise can cause hearing lossloss

• Excessive vibration can cause back Excessive vibration can cause back pain and other health problemspain and other health problems