Farm Doctor: What to do if you suffer from hearing loss

Working in agriculture can take its toll on hearing as farmers are exposed to many loud noises which, over time, may damage the inner ear.

In fact, farming is an occupation most commonly linked to hearing loss, says farmer’s daughter and doctor Camilla Baker.

But this damage can be prevented with use of ear protection when working in noisy environments.

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“The best thing you can do to prevent hearing loss is to wear protective equipment in loud areas, when working with noisy machinery, or when near explosive noises,” she says.

“It is important that the hearing protection fits properly, is easily accessible and comfortable as it will mean it is more likely to be used.”

For those with existing damage, help is available, she adds.

“Hearing loss can be frustrating and isolating. However, there are lots of different aids available, depending on why the loss has happened.”

Dr Camilla Baker © Camilla Baker

The most common cause is ageing, as it is likely that many things impact hearing as we get older, says Camilla.

For example, loud noises damaging cells in the inner ear, which means sound waves do not travel accurately to the brain.

In this month’s Farm Doctor column, she explains what causes hearing loss, how farmers can minimise the risk, and what they should do when they realise there is a problem.

Signs

Hearing loss typically happens gradually so is not always obvious, but signs include difficulty hearing conversations, particularly in busy environments, asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the volume of the television or radio, and trouble hearing people during phone calls.

Types of hearing loss

Conductive

Problems with the outer or middle ear can prevent sound waves travelling properly down to the inner ear.

It is most commonly caused by a blockage of wax, which can make the ear itchy.

Infection or trauma is another cause of conductive hearing loss.

A damaged or burst eardrum is often self-healing, but can sometimes lead to further infections that require a minor operation.

Fluid is another cause, filling the middle ear and preventing tiny bones from vibrating as normal, sometimes during or after a head cold or infection.

Hearing can sound dulled for up to a week.

Otosclerosis, a condition where the tiny bones in the ear do not vibrate as they should, can also be to blame.

This typically affects people aged 15-35 years, with twice as many women affected than men.

Sensorineural

If there is a problem with the inner ear, sound waves are not converted properly and do not travel down the hearing nerve to the brain.

Damage to the cells in the inner ear happens over time and leads to age-related hearing loss.

Rarely, there can be overgrowth of the cells in the hearing nerve, acoustic neuroma, which typically causes hearing loss in one ear only, says Camilla.

“If you have one-sided hearing loss, it is important to see your GP for a review.’’

Management

Hearing loss management will depend on its cause.

If it is linked to an ear infection, it mostly clears by itself, but if there is no improvement after four days, visit your GP for a review and antibiotics may be given.

Soften ear wax with over-the-counter treatments such as olive oil drops, but if the build-up remains, it can be removed by a trained healthcare professional. Your GP surgery will have information on this.

If hearing loss is long-standing, seek an assessment and hearing aids may be recommended.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common condition when ringing, humming, hissing or pulsing sounds that are not created by the environment are heard, either constantly or intermittently, and are typically louder in quieter environments.

It can be linked to age-related hearing loss or can occur after exposure to loud noises.

If the symptoms are severe and disruptive, Camilla advises seeking help from a GP or medical practitioner, who will assess the impact and arrange investigations if necessary.

Living with tinnitus – the importance of ear protection 

Arable farmer Anthony Kinch has lived with tinnitus since he was a teenager, a condition he suspects was triggered by loud farm machinery and gunshot noise.

“As a young boy I used to go out in the pickup with my father when he was firing a big rifle in the days before silencers,” he recalls.

Anthony was around 14 when the ringing in his ears became so intense that he sought medical help and the doctor diagnosed tinnitus. He describes it as a “constant ringing”.

“The more you think about it, the worse it becomes.”

Without a cure, it is a condition that he has learned to tolerate, but is grateful that it does not stop him sleeping.

One of his biggest regrets is that when he is out in the fields and there is no other sound, the ringing prevents him from hearing some birdsong.

Hearing tests

Anthony, who farms near Edinburgh, is unsure if tinnitus has contributed to his gradual hearing loss, but, at 53, he knows he should get his hearing tested.

“I do struggle to hear conversations, so perhaps hearing aids might help.”

© Adobe Stock

As a father of three, he continually reminds his children how important it is to wear suitable ear protection.

Tinnitus is a hidden condition because there are no external symptoms, therefore, many people are unaware of how much it can impact the sufferer.

“It is not really talked about, but I am sure there must be lots of farmers who have it because of the nature of our job and because so often we do noisy jobs without thinking about ear protection,” says Anthony.