Farmers are no stranger to hard work and sacrifice.

Those concepts have been part of their heritage for generations. Every time a meal is put on the table – we can thank the dedication of a farming family!

When it comes to hearing loss, we see a definite pattern specific to most rural communities. Exposure to consistent noise, such as tractors and the many loud pieces of equipment that farmers use, can cause hearing to decline. Over time, hearing loss can creep up on an individual before they even realize it.

Noise Exposure

Sound is measured in units called decibels (db). Here are the average decibel ratings of some familiar sounds:

70dB

Conversation

85dB

Idle Tractor

90dB

Lawn Mower

105dB

Chainsaw

Sounds at or below 70db, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, extended, or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85db can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for noise induced hearing loss to happen.

Trina Almond-Atchley, a Miracle-Ear hearing instrument specialist, cares for patients from a mostly rural area.

She says farmers often think they do not have a hearing issue. However, they have trouble understanding their wives, grandchildren, and hearing well in a restaurant or other noisy settings.

It’s easy to brush off the problem by believing a loved one is not speaking clearly, or the room noise is simply too loud to hear conversation.

“They can hear a car coming down the gravel road. They can hear gunshots during deer season, and they can hear their farm equipment just fine,” Atchley said. “They just can’t make out clear speech and they are having their loved ones repeat themselves without realizing it. The reality is they are experiencing a specific type of hearing loss that creates muffled sound.”

If any of those examples sound familiar, we encourage you to make an appointment for a hearing evaluation. Miracle-Ear’s exclusive hearing testing is free and there is never an obligation to purchase anything.

DON'T WAIT! Schedule Your FREE Hearing Exam Today.

Scheduling an appointment at your nearest Miracle-Ear hearing aid center is the first step to hearing better days. Meeting your specialist and getting your hearing tested could not be any simpler.

Impact On The Ears

Tens of thousands of hairlike nerve cells in the inner ear are responsible for picking up sound and are in the cochlea. The cells have specific pitches they are responsible for. High pitches are picked up in the outer portion. Low pitches are picked up in the inner portion.

The cells in the outer portion of the cochlea are most at risk to noise exposure. This is the first area to receive stimulation from noise and the first to deteriorate more severely and more quickly than other areas.

High Frequency Hearing Loss

Noise Induced Hearing Loss is common and involves damage to the outer portion of the cochlea. The higher-toned pitches become less audible. However, the higher-toned pitches are important for the understanding of speech. This issue is not related to volume as lower toned pitches, such as gunshots being fired or vehicle tires on a gravel road, continue to be easily heard.

When it comes to speech, the lower-toned pitches are consistent with vowels. The higher-toned pitches are consistent with consonants. It becomes an issue for the clarity in speech. This type of hearing loss is easy to dismiss as thinking the other party is mumbling.

If you are experiencing signs of hearing loss, Miracle-Ear can help!

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Miracle-Ear is committed to providing superior service, cutting-edge technology, and exclusive hearing assessments! We are not into driving sales numbers, instead we believe in building individual relationships with each client to be a friendly partner on their hearing health journey.
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Miracle-Ear’s expertise is unmatched in the industry. Hearing loss is as unique to everyone as their fingerprint. This means each hearing solution must be specifically programmed to an individual’s needs and tailored to meet every lifestyle and budget.
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The detriments of hearing loss are simply too great to ignore. Untreated hearing loss can cause issues, like depression, anxiety, social isolation, loneliness, cognitive decline, increased risk of falls, early onset of dementia, and diminished overall health.

Choosing Miracle-Ear offers local access to top-quality service and numerous benefits!

Miracle-Ear advantages you can expect to receive:
  • Highly trained, caring, and knowledgeable Hearing Care Providers
  • Access to over 1,500 Miracle-Ear locations nationwide.
  • A variety of hearing aid options and financing available.
  • All insurance plans accepted.
  • Access to the Miracle-Ear Foundation which helps individuals without the financial means to afford help.