Industry Chosen:

- Agriculture
Source of noise (typical sources of noise on the farm):
Tractors
forage harvesters
silage blowers
chain saws
skid-steer loaders
 grain dryers
squealing pigs and guns

Effect to the Community:

 The lengthy exposure to these high sound levels will effect in noise
induced hearing loss to farmers of all ages, including teenagers.
 Health effect - Exposure to loud agricultural noise can lead to
stress, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of cardiovascular
problems.
 Quality of Life - disrupt daily activities, interfere with
communication, and cause annoyance and frustration.
 Environmental Disturbance: Loud agricultural machinery, such
as tractors, harvesters, or irrigation pumps, can disturb the natural
environment.
 Educational and Learning Disruptions: Noise from nearby
agricultural activities can negatively impact educational
institutions like schools, colleges, and daycares. It can hinder
 concentration, impair speech intelligibility, and reduce overall
learning efficiency.
 Social and Community Interaction: Loud machinery or
equipment may make it difficult for neighbors to engage in outdoor
activities, hold conversations, or enjoy leisure time in their own
yards.
 Impact on Agricultural Workers: Occupational noise exposure
without proper hearing protection can lead to long-term hearing
damage and other health issues among these workers.

Measurement method: can use various methods and equipment to

assess the sound levels.
 Sound Level Meter (SLM)
- Only useful when work can be easily divided into defined activities and noise levels are
relatively stable all the time.
- Measurement should be taken 1 to 3 meters from source (not directly at the source).
- With most SLMs, the readings can be taken on either SLOW or FAST response.
 Dosimeter - Most accurate for personal noise exposures, and is worn by the worker.
 Mobile Applications

Agricultural noise that effects human hearing loss:

 tractor 95-100 dB(A);
 header 88-90 dB(A);
 orchard sprayer 85-100 dB(A);
 angle grinder 95-105 dB(A);
 bench grinder 90-95 dB(A);
 chainsaw 105-120 dB(A);
 pig shed at feed time 95-105 dB(A);
 shotgun over 140 dB(C).

Average exposure level for noise dosimeter

 give an equivalent sound or noise level.

 same total sound energy as the actual, variable sound levels to which a person is
exposed over the same time.
 a person is exposed over an eight-hour work shift to varying noise levels, it is possible to
calculate an equivalent sound level which would equal the same total sound energy
exposure.
 This would have the same effect on the person's hearing as the variable exposure
received