Hearing and Respiratory Protection: The Hidden Dangers Farmers Can’t Ignore

Farming is often celebrated for its hard work, independence, and deep connection to the land. But behind the rewarding lifestyle lie real risks—especially when it comes to hearing and respiratory health. These dangers are often overlooked but can have serious long-term consequences.

As National Farm Safety and Health Week approaches (September 21 to 27, 2025), it’s the perfect time to shine a light on these invisible threats and explore how farmers can better protect themselves.

Hearing Loss: A Silent Threat

Farmers are nearly twice as likely to suffer from hearing loss compared to non-farmers, according to data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This isn’t surprising, given the high level of noise produced by everyday farming tools and machinery—tractors, combines, augers, grain dryers, ATVs, chainsaws, and shop vacs are all culprits.

Long-term exposure to noise above 85 decibels can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is both permanent and preventable. The key is early action and consistent use of protective gear.

Simple steps for protecting your hearing:

• Maintain your machines. Regularly replacing worn parts, lubricating engines, and repairing loose components can reduce mechanical noise and vibrations.
• Install mufflers. Well-maintained mufflers on tractors, harvesters, and other equipment can significantly lower noise output.
• Turn down the volume. Keeping radios or communication devices at safe levels, especially in enclosed cabs, prevents added strain on your ears.
• Use proper hearing protection. Choose hearing protection with the right noise reduction rating (NRR) for your environment. Whether it’s foam earplugs, custom-molded protectors, or earmuffs, the best protection is the one you’ll wear consistently.

These small adjustments can have a big impact over time—and may prevent irreversible hearing loss.

Breathing Easy Isn’t Always Easy on the Farm

Beyond the ears, the lungs are also at risk on the farm. Many daily tasks expose farmers to airborne hazards that are invisible but dangerous. Dust from grain, animal bedding, or feed; mold spores in barns and silos; and fumes from fertilizers and pesticides can all cause lasting damage to the lungs.

Conditions like farmer’s lung, organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS), and agricultural asthma are well-documented in farm workers and can develop gradually with repeated exposure.

Key protective steps include:

• Wearing a fitted N95 mask for dusty tasks like cleaning grain bins or sweeping barns.
• Using NIOSH-certified respirators when working with fertilizers, chemicals, or in enclosed spaces with poor airflow.
• Ensuring proper ventilation in buildings like workshops, sheds, and livestock housing to limit buildup of fumes or airborne irritants.
• Cleaning and maintaining masks and respirators as recommended by manufacturers to ensure they provide maximum protection.

When it comes to respiratory protection, it’s important to match the mask or respirator to the task. Not all protective gear is made for all hazards, so when in doubt, consult a safety expert or supplier.

Putting Safety First

This year’s theme for National Farm Safety and Health Week—“Safety First, Avoid the Worst”—is a timely reminder that protecting your health should be part of every farm task, no matter how routine it seems.

Taking a few minutes to put on hearing or respiratory protection can make a lifelong difference. For young farmers just entering the industry, developing safe habits early can prevent chronic conditions later in life. For experienced producers, it’s never too late to make changes that protect your well-being.

Whether you’re working in the field, the barn, or the shop, make safety your top priority—not just for yourself, but for your family, your crew, and the future of your farm.