Preventing Noise Exposure in Farmworkers

Overview

This study will evaluate a multilevel intervention designed to reduce hazardous noise exposure among farmworkers. The intervention includes training for farmworkers and supervisors, placement of safety signage, and distribution of hearing protection at noisy worksites. The research has two primary goals: (1) to determine whether the intervention decreases the amount of time farmworkers are exposed to hazardous noise, and (2) to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing the intervention in agricultural settings. The study includes two parts. In Part I, a small group of farmworkers will participate in an adapted hearing-protection training and complete pre- and post-training assessments of earplug fit, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. In Part II, farmworkers will wear personal sound level meters before and after the intervention to measure changes in noise exposure, and both farmworkers and supervisors will complete surveys about perceptions of noise and intervention components. Some participants may also be invited to complete interviews about their experiences. Results will inform refinement and scale-up of the intervention to support hearing-loss prevention in agricultural workplaces.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a preventable occupational condition, yet farmworkers are routinely exposed to hazardous noise and rarely use hearing protection. This study will evaluate a multilevel intervention designed to improve hearing-protection practices in agricultural settings. The intervention includes (1) a culturally tailored training for farmworkers, (2) a complementary training for supervisors, (3) safety signage placed in high-noise areas, and (4) distribution of foam earplugs at designated work locations. Part I (Farmworker-Level Training Evaluation) A group of farmworkers (n ≈ 15) will complete pre-training assessments, including baseline fit testing of foam earplugs using a standardized Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) device. Participants will then view an adapted, Spanish-language digital training module that includes information on NIHL risks and step-by-step instruction on proper earplug insertion. After viewing the module, participants will complete post-training PAR testing, as well as a brief survey assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to hearing protection. Open-ended questions will capture immediate reactions and perceived usefulness of the training. Part II (Multilevel Intervention Evaluation) Following the training, the full multilevel intervention will be implemented at participating farms. Farmworkers will wear personal sound level meters before and after the intervention period to capture changes in noise exposure. Surveys administered to farmworkers and supervisors will measure perceptions of noise hazards, use of hearing protection, and impressions of the intervention components. A subset of participants may be invited to complete semi-structured interviews to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing the intervention under typical agricultural working conditions. Outcomes and Use of Results Primary outcomes include changes in hazardous noise exposure and feasibility of implementing the multilevel intervention on farms. Secondary outcomes include improvements in earplug fit (PAR), knowledge and attitudes related to hearing protection, and participant-reported acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention. Findings will support refinement of the intervention and inform a future larger-scale study aimed at preventing noise-induced hearing loss among agricultural workers.