Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Isolation and Culture of Primary Marginal Cells of the Stria Vascularis from Neonatal Mice
Published on: March 20, 2026
Challenges and strategies related to hearing loss among dairy farmers
Louise Hass-Slavin1, Mary Ann McColl, William Pickett
1School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. louisehs@renc.igs.net
Context:
Farming is often imagined to be a serene and idyllic business based on historical images of a man, a horse, and a plow. However, machinery and equipment on farms, such as older tractors, grain dryers, and vacuum pumps, can have noise levels, which may be dangerous to hearing with prolonged, unprotected exposure.
Purpose:
This qualitative study in Ontario, Canada, explored the challenges and coping strategies experienced by dairy farmers with self-reported hearing loss and communication difficulties. Through in-depth interviews, 13 farmers who experience significant hearing loss were questioned about the challenges they face as a result of hearing loss and the strategies they use to overcome or compensate for problems.
Findings:
The 2 major challenges encountered by dairy farmers with a hearing loss were: (1) obtaining information from individuals, within groups, and through electronic media; and (2) working with animals, machinery, and noise. To cope with these challenges, participants used strategies identified as problem and emotion focused.
Conclusions:
Four themes arose from analysis of the challenges encountered and strategies used: 1. Hearing loss is experienced as a "familiar," but "private," problem for dairy farmers. 2. Communication difficulties can negatively affect the quality of relationships on the farm. 3. Safety and risk management are issues when farming with a hearing loss. 4. The management or control of excessive noise is a complex problem, because there are no completely reliable yet practical solutions.
