Noise and chemical induced hearing loss: special considerations for farm youth

Farm youth face multiple risks for injury and illness in agriculture. Reviewed here is evidence from current literature illustrating the noise and chemical exposure hearing risks that farm youth potentially face. Sources of noise (e.g., machinery) and potentially toxic chemical exposures (e.g. solvents and pesticides) common in the farm environment are reviewed, illustrating the need for heightened research attention to a problem that may affect up to 2 million children in the United States alone and that requires both public and occupational health solutions. As existing studies have not sufficiently explored potential ototoxic effects of these exposures on children and adolescents, recommendations are outlined for research characterizing both chemical and noise exposures to farm youth and their combined effects on hearing.