This study will test a program to reduce noise exposure and prevent hearing loss among farmworkers. Farmworkers are often exposed to high levels of noise from machinery, which can lead to hearing loss over time.
Farms will be randomly assigned to either receive the program or serve as a comparison group. The program includes a short educational video, group discussion, and hands-on training on how to use hearing protection (such as earplugs). Supervisors will also receive brief training on how to support hearing protection use in the workplace.
Participants will wear a small device (dosimeter) during a work shift to measure noise exposure before the program and again about one month later. Participants will also complete surveys about their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to hearing protection.
A subset of participants will be invited to take part in interviews to understand barriers and facilitators to using hearing protection and implementing the program.
The results of this study will help inform future efforts to improve hearing health and reduce noise exposure in agricultural settings.