Written by Dave Stewart
Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Farming is loud. Like, concert loud. And unlike your favourite band, the noise from machinery, tools, and animals isn’t something you want in your ears for hours on end. Over time, those tunes can take a serious toll on your hearing.
So, what’s the danger?
Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels (dB) can cause permanent hearing loss. For context:
- Tractor engine: ~90 dB
- Grain dryer: ~100 dB
- Chainsaw: ~110 dB
Even short bursts of loud noise, like a hammer on metal or a sudden blast from an air compressor, can do damage. The worst part? Hearing loss is sneaky—it creeps up slowly, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
Signs you might be losing your hearing
- Ringing or buzzing in your ears after work
- Needing to turn up the radio louder than usual
- Struggling to hear conversations in noisy environments
- Your family says, “You never listen!” (Okay, that one might be unrelated…)
How to protect your ears (and still get the job done)
- Know your gear – Earplugs and earmuffs aren’t just for concerts or construction crews. They’re simple, affordable, and made for the farm too. Keep a stash in your truck, shop, and heavy equipment.
- Use the right protection for the job – For short bursts of loud noise, foam earplugs are great. For all-day tractor work, earmuffs with a good seal will do the trick (bonus points if they’re Bluetooth—you can still listen to your favourite podcast!).
- Maintain your machines – A well-maintained engine runs quieter. Plus, regular maintenance prevents breakdowns. Win-win!
- Take breaks – Ears need a rest too. Step away from the noise when you can and give your hearing a breather.
- Talk about it – Make hearing protection part of your safety culture on the farm. If you’ve got employees or family members working with you, encourage them to protect their ears too.
Final Thoughts
You wouldn’t run a combine without safety shields, so don’t skip out on protecting your ears. Farm life is full of incredible sounds—don’t let preventable hearing loss take them away.
Pop in those earplugs and keep farming safely.
Call Zehr Insurance brokers and see if we can help you with your insurance needs.
