Farmer's Preferences for Hearing Protection Devices: Do Educational Interventions Work?

Although 44% of Midwestern farmers reported noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) symptoms, less than one third report using hearing protection devices (HPDs) when working around loud noises. Few studies have evaluated which HPD models farmers prefer to wear, and how educational activities may influence this preference. Dr. Gibbs will be discussing current research on farmer’s priorities and preferences for HPD types, as well as the impact of several hearing conservation education activities.

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Discuss the prevalence of Noise-Induced-Hearing-Loss (NIHL) symptoms among farmers.
List farmer's top priorities and concerns when choosing hearing protection devices.
Learn about the best HPD models to promote in agricultural hearing conservation campaigns.
Learn more about how to implement successful hearing conservation educational activities.

Jenna Gibbs, PhD, MPH

Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, University of Iowa

Jenna Gibbs has been the Center Coordinator of the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health (GPCAH) at the University of Iowa for two years. Prior to her work at GPCAH, Jenna was an industrial hygienist at NIOSH/CDC in Morgantown, WV. Jenna got her PhD in environmental health at University of Washington, while working at the Pacific Northwest Agricultural Health and Safety Center. Her research interests include hearing conservation, pesticides, and air quality improvements in livestock operation.