Challenges and Strategies Related to Hearing Loss among Dairy Farmers

Context: Farming is often imagined to be a serene and idyllic business based on historical images of a man, a horse, and a plow. However, machinery and equipment on farms, such as older tractors, grain dryers, and vacuum pumps, can have noise levels, which may be dangerous to hearing with prolonged, unprotected exposure. Purpose: This qualitative study in Ontario, Canada, explored the challenges and coping strategies experienced by dairy farmers with self-reported hearing loss and communication difficulties. Through indepth interviews, 13 farmers who experience significant hearing loss were questioned about the challenges they face as a result of hearing loss and the strategies they use to overcome or compensate for problems. Findings: The 2 major challenges encountered by dairy farmers with a hearing loss were: (1) obtaining information from individuals, within groups, and through electronic media; and (2) working with animals, machinery, and noise. To cope with these challenges, participants used strategies identified as problem and emotion focused. Conclusions: Four themes arose from analysis of the challenges encountered and strategies used: (1) Hearing loss is experienced as a "familiar," but "private," problem for dairy farmers; (2) Communication difficulties can negatively affect the quality of relationships on the farm; (3) Safety and risk management are issues when farming with a hearing loss; and (4) The management or control of excessive noise is a complex problem, because there are no completely reliable yet practical solutions.