Primary Presenter: Jenna L Gibbs, MPH, PhD, Research Coordinator, Great Plains Agricultural Health Center, University of Iowa, jenna-gibbs@uiowa.edu.
Additional Authors: Rory Menscher, Audiology Student, Sarah Klemuk, Audiology Student, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders; Marsha Cheyney, Outreach Coordinator, Great Plains Agricultural Health Center, University of Iowa.
Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize and experience the effects of several degrees of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) in different farming situations.
2. Learn more about using an interactive tablet display as a youth outreach activity at agricultural shows and educational events.
Abstract: Previous studies have shown that farmers have a higher prevalence of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) than the general population. Although NIHL is common among older farmers, recent studies report increased prevalence among farm youth ages 12-19 yrs. We recorded more than 50 farm scenarios (e.g., persons talking, radio reports, farm vehicles, tools, grain transfer systems, and animals) and data on respective decibel levels (dB) and frequencies (Hz). These audio files were exported into HELPs V2 software (Sensimetrics) and four common types of NIHL were simulated using current audiology literature on progression with increase length of exposure (mild, moderate, severe, and tinnitus), while excluding age-related factors. The final audio simulations were saved and transferred to an IPAD tablet interface and pair with Active Noise Cancelling (ANR) headphones for use as an educational tool. The NIHL simulator is currently being tested at agricultural shows, children’s agriculture health and safety events, and local county fairs. After the simulator is evaluated, future plans are to design a final web version of the NIHL simulator on the GPCAH and UISAFE websites for educational use.