Repeated exposure to loud noises can damage the structures inside your ears, causing hearing loss. Hearing loss can negatively impact a person’s quality of life by limiting their ability to communicate with others. This limitation can lead to issues with mental health and personal safety. There have also been studies that have shown hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of dementia and social isolation.

Hearing loss is especially prominent in the farming community due to hazardous noise levels during daily farm operations.

The Madison County Horticulture Agent worked with the Madison County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee to offer hearing testing as part of the Madison County Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. They reached out to the Southeast Center of Agriculture, Health and Injury Prevention. The center was able to send a person to the meeting who could do hearing testing. They also provided information on mental health to share.

Of those tested, a third showed signs of some hearing loss. They were referred to an audiologist. Everyone tested received information on how to protect their hearing in the future. Several participants commented they learned new information on how to make their working environment safer.

Other topics highlighted at the meeting included nutrition and food safety which was presented by the Madison County SNAP-ED and EFNEP assistants.