Aims and objectives
To identify and compare hearing protection interventions for youth working and living on farms.
Background
Noise‐induced hearing loss represents a significant risk factor for injury, disability and death in agricultural populations due to an inability to receive sensory information that can indicate dangerous situations. Despite the availability of hearing protection devices, rates of utilisation remain low, while rates of noise‐induced hearing loss are high within the agricultural youth population.
Design
Comprehensive review of the literature.
Method
Electronic database searches were conducted to identify research studies of hearing protection interventions for youth living or working on farms.
Results
Three intervention studies were identified as meeting the review criteria, with additional reanalysis studies based on the original intervention studies. The intervention studies demonstrated increased use of hearing protection devices among youth who received the interventions compared to the control groups although audiometry testing results were not improved as a result of the intervention.
Conclusions
The findings of this review highlight the need for additional research into the effectiveness of hearing protection device use as a noise‐induced hearing loss preventative measure in youth who live or work on farms and the creation of effective interventions to increase hearing protection device use and decrease Noise‐induced hearing loss risk.
Relevance to clinical practice
It is recommended that nurses be educated in the areas of health promotion relevant to farming communities to be able to effectively meet their rural clients' needs in relation to noise‐induced hearing loss. Working with youth, families, and schools, as well as developing community partnerships, can facilitate the dissemination of hearing protection promotion.