[Hearing disorders among private farmers in Poland]

The studies of the state of hearing were conducted among a selected group of 128 farmers, aged 28-65 years with employment ranging from 11 to 40 years. The study design covered physical laryngologic examinations, detailed otologic medical history and proper audiometric tests (air and bone conduction). The results of the study showed that the highest mean values of hearing loss remained mostly within two high frequencies of 4 and 6 kHz and were 34.9-39.7 d B. These frequencies are typical of acoustic trauma. A highly statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001) was observed between hearing loss and age (r = 0.32-0.53 for 3-8 kHz), while a slightly weaker correlation was noted between hearing loss and employment duration (r = 0.20-0.27 for 3-8 kHz; p < 0.01). The mean values of hearing loss obtained among farmers were considerably enhanced, compared to the control group (42 people aged 29-59 years), the difference being very high statistically (p < 0.001). The studies of the state of private farmers' hearing clearly confirm the hypothesis that an excessive exposure to noise present in the farming equipment, is the major cause of the decreased hearing among farmers.