Farm work can involve repeated exposure to tractors, combines, grain dryers, shop tools, livestock facilities, chainsaws, and firearms. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, but reducing hazardous exposure and using properly fitted protection can lower the risk.
This is especially relevant across Iowa and Nebraska, where farm work may combine long days, seasonal time pressure, machinery noise, and limited access to hearing safety programs.
How loud is too loud?
NIOSH recommends an occupational exposure limit of 85 dBA averaged over an eight-hour workday. As noise gets louder, the recommended exposure time becomes shorter. A practical warning sign is needing to raise your voice to speak with someone about an arm's length away.
Ringing ears or muffled sound after a task are also warning signs. Temporary symptoms do not mean the ears recovered without damage; repeated exposure can accumulate over time.
Common noise sources on farms
The exact level depends on the equipment, maintenance, distance, enclosure, and task. Potential sources include:
- tractors and combines, particularly with open or poorly sealed cabs;
- grain dryers, augers, and ventilation fans;
- chainsaws, mowers, and power tools;
- livestock confinement buildings;
- equipment repair, grinding, and metal work;
- firearms and recreational shooting.
Noise may not be the only concern. NIOSH notes that some chemicals, including certain pesticides and solvents, can affect hearing, and combined exposure to noise and ototoxic chemicals may increase risk.
Start with the source of the noise
Hearing protection is important, but reducing noise at its source is more reliable. Maintain equipment, replace worn or vibrating parts, keep cab doors and windows closed when appropriate, isolate loud machinery, and limit the time spent near a source.
Move conversations and breaks away from running equipment. If one person can operate a noisy task safely, keep unnecessary bystanders—especially children—at a distance.
Choose protection that fits the task
Earplugs and earmuffs work only when selected, fitted, and worn consistently. NIOSH recommends enough protection to reduce exposure to a safer range without excessive overprotection that interferes with communication and awareness.
For very high noise levels or impulse sounds, double protection—earplugs under earmuffs—may be appropriate. Firearms can produce hazardous impulse noise, so use protection designed for shooting and follow range or manufacturer guidance.
Comfort matters. Keep more than one option available for hot weather, long shifts, safety glasses, hats, and different ear shapes. Replace damaged, dirty, or hardened protectors.
Protect hearing during the entire task
Removing protection for even part of a noisy job can sharply reduce the total benefit. Put protection on before starting the equipment and keep it on until you have moved away from the hazard.
Store clean protectors where they are easy to reach: in the tractor cab, shop, utility vehicle, or near the task entrance. A protector left in the house will not help during an unexpected repair.
When should farm workers get a hearing test?
Consider testing if speech is unclear, the television volume has increased, you struggle in groups, your ears ring, or sounds seem dull after work. Workers with ongoing hazardous exposure may benefit from baseline and periodic testing so changes can be compared over time.
A hearing evaluation does not replace workplace noise measurement, and a normal test does not make future exposure safe. Use the results as one part of a prevention plan.
Local hearing care in Iowa and Nebraska
Merit Hearing serves agricultural communities through clinics in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Jefferson, Council Bluffs, and Omaha. An audiologist can evaluate hearing, explain results, discuss hearing protection, and address communication needs when hearing loss is present.
Find a nearby Merit Hearing clinic or book a hearing evaluation online.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Mariah Jarosh, AuD. Last reviewed July 16, 2026.
Sources
- CDC/NIOSH: Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting statistics
- CDC/NIOSH: Understand noise exposure
- CDC/NIOSH: Provide hearing protection
- CDC/NIOSH: Chemical-induced hearing loss
Workplace conditions vary. Employers and workers should follow applicable safety standards, equipment instructions, and professional industrial-hygiene guidance.