Source: SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
PREVENTING THE EFFECTS OF NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AMONG SOUTH CAROLINA FARMERS AND AGRICULTURAL WORKERS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
EVANS-ALLEN
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1006444
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
SCX-204-04-15
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
May 22, 2015
Project End Date
May 15, 2019
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Bush, DE, .
Recipient Organization
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
ORANGEBURG,SC 29117
Performing Department
Home Economics/Human Services
Non Technical Summary
According to the National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), more than 30 million Americans (all ages) are exposed to hazardous sound (noise) levels on a regular basis, without the use of hearing protection devices (HPD). Research by Lusk et al. (2002) indicated that excessive noise levels could contribute to ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure in farmers and agricultural workers, if HPD's are not worn. This project seeks to determine the percentage of farmers and agricultural workers in rural South Carolina who are directly affected by this phenomenon, and those who take proactive measures to protect their hearing from noise exposure.Researchers will collect data to measure the farmers' and agriculture workers' noise exposure levels to compare with OSHA noise standards. Researchers will also observe their blood pressure and distribute surveys to assess the use of hearing protection devices as well as history of heart disease and/or high blood pressure. Researchers will use analysis of variance to determine if differences exist between: a) minority and majority farmers, b) young and older farmers and c) the control group and experimental group. After post-analysis of the research, the results will be disseminated among the target audience through education (hearing conservation program).The ultimate goal of this project is to educate farmers and agriculture workers (minority and majority population) in South Carolina of the implications that excessive noise levels over a period of time may potentially cause complications related to ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure. The societal benefit in rural South Carolina include potentially lowering the incidence of noise induced hearing loss thereby improving the quality of life for countless farmers and agricultural workers.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
72360103090100%
Knowledge Area
723 - Hazards to Human Health and Safety;

Subject Of Investigation
6010 - Individuals;

Field Of Science
3090 - Sensory science (human senses);
Goals / Objectives
The major goal of this project is to educate farmers and agriculture workers (minority and majority population) in South Carolina of the implications that excessive noise levels over a period of time could potentially bring about complications of ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure.
Project Methods
The research method will include surveys and an experimental design. Farmers that are members of state/ local associations will be recruited for participation in this research study. A survey will be distributed to farmers to determine the percentage that wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noises (i.e.: during tractor/ small equipment operation). Pre and post analysis of the hearing threshold levels and blood pressure to determine if there is indeed a correlation between hearing loss and high blood pressure. Farmers will be separated into two groups: one group wears no hearing protection while operating farm machinery (experimental group), while the other group wears hearing protection (control group) while operating farm machinery. The post measures of blood pressure and hearing thresholds will occur within 12 months of the pre analysis when the investigators return to the site and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science. A hearing conservation program will be designed to train/educate on the importance of preserving hearing through the usage of hearing preservation devices. Investigators will return to the sites within one year to re-screen blood pressure levels and determine if agricultural workers have been using the hearing protection devices, which will be provided.

Progress 05/22/15 to 05/15/19

Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audience for reporting results includes farmers and farm workers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?There have been numerous opportunities for training and professional development. The project investigator (PI) has actively participated in trainings at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Conference and the South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association Conference, on an annual basis. The PI has also spoken with the students at the Health Professions High School regarding hearing safety; also, farmers at Lake and the submitted proposals to his convention and students participated during the research presentations outlining information about this grant. Students also obtained training to take blood pressure and participated in training sessions for MANRRS Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences Conference as well as other agricultural conferences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated through presentations during the national ASHA Convention, state SCSHA and International Conventions and at local farm coalition meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Accomplishments (Major Goals of the project) Objective 1: To assess the percentage of farmers that wear hearing protection while operating farming machinery farmers and those that do not wear protection while operating farming machinery. Objective 2: To assess noise levels of farming machinery during operation and determine if the noise levels exceed OSHA standards for excessive noise exposure. Objective 3: To assess hearing levels of farmers before (establish baseline) and immediately after utilizing farming equipment to determine if a hearing temporary threshold shift occurred. Objective 4: Obtain and record blood pressure momentarily before and after daily task to determine if there is correlation between high noise levels and an increase in blood pressure. Accomplishments Objective 1: To assess the percentage of farmers that wear hearing protection while operating farming machinery farmers and those that do not wear protection while operating farming machinery. Activities: a) Researchers developed a survey that assesses farmers' usage of hearing protection devices.Farmers were recruited for participation from the Orangeburg Young Farmers.Also, SC State's 1890's Extension Program agent(s) provided a list of local farmers in which the agency has developed relations. b) Researchers distributed the surveys to farmers via hand delivery or U.S. Postal Mail Service. c) Researchers/ student workers analyzed the data to determine 44% of individuals wear hearing protection on a regular basis. d) Students conducted a literature review and wrote article annotations for a literature review for this objective. Objective 2: Assessed noise levels of farming machinery during operation and determine if the noise levels exceed OSHA standards for excessive noise exposure. Activities: a) Researcher used sound level meter to measure noise levels during operation of farming equipment.The noise level ranged from 84.8 dBA to 104.80 dBA with an average of 94.3dBA. b) Researcher and student workers analyzed the data to determine that farmers were exposed to extremely high noise levels during their typical work day. c) Students conducted a literature review and wrote article annotations for a literature review outlining the noise levels and standards of excessive noise levels that was set by OSHA. Objective 3: Assessed hearing levels of farmers before (establish baseline) and immediately after utilizing farming equipment to determine if a hearing temporary threshold shift occurred. Activities: a) Researchers assessed farmers' hearing threshold levels prior to operating farm machinery. After assessing the data from the participants baseline audiograms on average the farmers exhibited mild to moderate hearing loss within the high frequency regions (2000Hz-8000Hz). b) Researchers assessed farmers' hearing threshold levels after operating farm machinery. Post Assessment data is currently still being collected for the N=9 participants. Of the nine participants we were able to collect post data so far from at least two of the participants. c) Researchers analyzed data to determine hearing threshold levels before and after operation of farm equipment. Also, participant 14A exhibited in his pre audiological assessment of a hearing loss in the high frequency region (2000Hz-8000Hz); at about 35dB to 40 dB the participant began to display this hearing loss. When his post audiological assessment was conducted, we noticed that there was a shift in hearing threshold of the right and left ears by 5dB. When participant 7A audiological pre hearing assessment was conducted he exhibited a hearing loss in the high frequency region(2000Hz-8000Hz) beginning at 40dB. In participant 7A post audiological assessment we noticed a 5db shift from baseline threshold in the left ear, but the right ear did not experience this shift until around 70dB be stimulus was presented between (4000Hz-8000Hz). d) Students conducted a literature review and write article annotations for a literature review outlining the threshold shift in various studies that included farm equipment/ machinery. A literature review outlining the threshold shift in various studies that included farm equipment/ machinery by students and PI. Objective 4: Obtained and recorded blood pressure momentarily before and after daily task to determine if there is correlation between high noise levels and an increase in blood pressure. Activities: a) Researchers recorded farmers' standing blood pressure levels prior to operating farm machinery. Baseline blood pressure levels was conducted for participants (N=9). Participant 14A displayed a pre (right arm: 168/93 mmHg left arm: 158/96 mmHg). Participant 7A pre assessment of right and left arm systolic and diastolic blood pressure is as follows: right arm 152/78mmHg and left arm 148/82mmHg. Of the baseline data collected (N=9) the average farmer presented with a resting right arm SBP average of 139.55mmHg (min: 91mmHG max: 168mmHg, σ: 22.15), right arm DBP average of 81.66 mmHg (min: 66mmHg max: 93mmHg, σ: 10.19), and right arm pulse average of 73.22 (min: 56 max: 93, σ: 14.63). The farmers also presented with an average left arm SBP of 142.55mmHg (min: 117mmHg max: 169mmHg, σ: 17.37), an average left arm DBP of 82.66 mmHg (min: 71mmHg max: 96mmHg, σ: 9.72), and left arm pulse of 74.44 (min: 56 max: 92, σ: 13.83). b) Researchers recorded farmers' blood pressure levels after operating farm machinery. Participant 14A displayed a post blood pressure of (right arm: 169/98mmHg left arm:183/100mmHg). Participant 7A post assessments blood pressure results are as follows: right arm 115/70mmHg and left arm 120/80mmHg. c) Researchers analyzed data to determine blood pressure levels before and after operation of farm equipment. Participant 14A displayed a true shift in blood pressure from pre (right arm: 168/93 mmHg left arm: 158/96 mmHg) to post blood pressure of (right arm: 169/98mmHg left arm: 183/100mmHg). Indicating an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the respectively, by 1mmHg and 5mmHg. In respect to the left arm blood pressure measurement participant 14A exhibited an increase as well in systolic and diastolic respectively, by 25mmHg and 4mmHg. Participant 7A pre assessment of right and left arm systolic and diastolic blood pressure is as follows: right arm 152/78mmHg and left arm 148/82mmHg. His post assessments blood pressure results are as follows: right arm 115/70mmHg and left arm 120/80mmHg. In this case due to participant 7A abrupt lifestyle change during this study we saw a negative shift in blood pressure from pre to post (right arm systolic: -37 mmHg right arm diastolic: -8mmHg/ left arm systolic: -28mmHg left arm diastolic: -2mmHg) versus a positive shift in blood pressure. d) Students conducted a literature review and wrote article annotations for a literature review with information on studies that determined if there was a correlation between high noise levels and increased blood pressure.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Bush, D. (2017 Spring). Audiology Corner. South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association (SCSHA) Newsletter
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Bush, D. (2017 Summer). Audiology Corner. South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association (SCSHA) Newsletter
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bush, D., Dean, D. and Leathers, T. (2016). Preventing the Effects of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among South Carolina Farmers and Agricultural Workers. Presented at the MANNRS National Conference, Jacksonville, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bush, D., Dean, D., Leathers, T. (2016). Preventing the Effects of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among South Carolina Farmers and Agricultural Workers. Presented at the 1st Annual CGPS Research Symposium, Orangeburg, SC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bush, D (2016). Effects of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among SC Farmers and Agricultural Workers in South Carolina. American Speech-Language Hearing Association in Philadelphia, PA, November 16-20, 2016.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Rufus, K., Thomas, E., & Bush, D. (2016). A Preliminary Study to Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss Among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. 74th Annual Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Tuskegee University, December 4, 2016.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Bush, D. and Lemmon, R. (2017) Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. Hawaii University International Conference in Honolulu, HI, January 2, 2017.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Bush, D and Rucker-Pryor, A. (2017). Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. American Speech-Language Hearing Association
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Bush, D and Rucker-Pryor, A. (2017). Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. 1890s Association of Research Directors. (STUDENT AWARD WINNER)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Bush, D and Rucker-Pryor, A. (2018). A Preliminary Study to Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss Among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association (STUDENT AWARD WINNER)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Bush, D. and Smalls, A (2018). Outcomes of Farmers Exposed to Noise Hazards in Rural South Carolina. American Speech-Language Hearing Association
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Bush, D, and Smalls, A (2019). Assessing Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among South Carolina Agricultural Workers. South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association


Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audiences of this project are farmers and agricultural workers in rural South Carolina, who operate farming equipment during their daily task as well as conference attendees. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided the project director and graduate assistant to present amongst professional peers at the local, national, and international levels: Pryor, A., Bush, D., & Lemmon, R. (2017). Farm Workers Noise Exposure while Operating Farm Machinery in Rural South Carolina. American Speech-Language Hearing Association in Los Angeles, CA, November 2017. Pryor, A., Bush, D., & Lemmon, R. (2017). A Preliminary Study to Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss Among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. 74th Annual Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Tuskegee University, December 2017. Bush, D., and Lemmon, R. (2017) Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. Hawaii University International Conference in Honolulu, HI, January 2017. Rufus, K., Bush, D., & Lemmon, R. (2017). Preventing Permanent Hearing Among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. South Carolina Speech-Language and Hearing Association in Charleston, SC (February 2017) Bush, D., Rufus, K., & Lemmon, R. (2017). Preventing Permanent Hearing Loss among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. Rural Development Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, July 2017 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of the project have been disseminated through conference presentations, thus far. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, I plan to carry out the objectives of the project by implementing Phase II of the project. Phase II will take place when updated vehicle tags and registration have been secured. Until that time we will continue to disseminate the research to peers and the target audience as well as recruit additional participants

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Major goals of this project is to recruit and educate farmers and agricultural workers (minority and majority population) in rural South Carolina of the implications of being exposed to excessive noise levels over a period-of-time could potentially bring about complications of ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure and disseminate the concept and findings among fellow researchers at research conferences. Under these goals, information about the grant was disseminated at several professional conferences and additional farmers have been recruited to participate in the ongoing study.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Pryor, A., Bush, D., & Lemmon, R. (2017). Farm Workers Noise Exposure while Operating Farm Machinery in Rural South Carolina. American Speech-Language Hearing Association in Los Angeles, CA, November 2017.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Pryor, A., Bush, D., & Lemmon, R. (2017). A Preliminary Study to Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss Among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. 75th Annual Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Tuskegee University, December 2017.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Bush, D., and Lemmon, R. (2017) Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. Hawaii University International Conference in Honolulu, HI, January 2017.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rufus, K., Bush, D., & Lemmon, R. (2017). Preventing Permanent Hearing Among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. South Carolina Speech-Language and Hearing Association in Charleston, SC (February 2017)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Bush, D., Rufus, K., & Lemmon, R. (2017). Preventing Permanent Hearing Loss among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. Rural Development Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, July 2017


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audiences of this project are farmers and agricultural workers in rural South Carolina, who operate farming equipment during their daily task as well as conference attendees. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project has provided the project director and undergraduate student to present amongst professional peers at the local and national levels: Dean, D., Leathers, T., & Bush, D. (2016). Preventing the Effects of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among SC Farmers and Agricultural Workers. 31st Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences National Conference, Jacksonville, FL, March 30th to April 2nd 2016. Bush, D., Dean, D., & Leathers, T. (2016). Preventing the Effects of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among SC Farmers and Agricultural Workers. 1st Annual College of Graduate and Professional Studies Research Symposium, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC, April 14, 2016. Bush, D (2016). Effects of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among SC Farmers and Agricultural Workers in South Carolina. American Speech-Language Hearing Association in Philadelphia, PA, November 16-20, 2016. Rufus, K., Thomas, E., & Bush, D. (2016). A Preliminary Study to Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss Among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. 74th Annual Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Tuskegee University, December 4, 2016. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of the project have been disseminated through conference presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, PI plan to carry out the objectives of the project by implementing Phase II of the project. Phase II will take place when the modified mobile vehicle has been up-fitted and received. Post-upfitting of motor vehicle will allow the PI to obtain pertinent data for the completion of the project and dissemination to the communities of interest. We will continue to disseminate the findings to peers and the target audience as well as recruit additional participants

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Knowledge has been shared with farmers about the need to determine the degree of noise exposure while operating farm equipment. Knowledge has also been shared with agricultural companies (e.g., Monsanto). For example, Monsanto provides hearing protection equipment to farmers. However, they are unable to tell farmers the extent to which noise exposure can adversely affect their hearing. This project will add to the limited body of knowledge regarding farmers' exposure to high decibels for extended periods of time while operating farm equipment and machinery. Under these goals, information about the grant was disseminated at three professional conferences. Specs for the mobile van unit were created and the van was delivered to the specialty vehicle company to up-fit the van.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: 1. Dean, D., Leathers, T., & Bush, D. (2016). Preventing the Effects of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among SC Farmers and Agricultural Workers. 31st Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences National Conference, Jacksonville, FL, March 30th to April 2nd 2016.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: 2. Bush, D., Dean, D., & Leathers, T. (2016). Preventing the Effects of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among SC Farmers and Agricultural Workers. 1st Annual College of Graduate and Professional Studies Research Symposium, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC, April 14, 2016.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: 3. Bush, D (2016). Effects of Noise Induced Hearing Loss and High Blood Pressure Among SC Farmers and Agricultural Workers in South Carolina. American Speech-Language Hearing Association in Philadelphia, PA, November 16-20, 2016.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: 4. Rufus, K., Thomas, E., & Bush, D. (2016). A Preliminary Study to Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss Among Farmers and Agricultural Workers in Rural America. 74th Annual Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Tuskegee University, December 4, 2016.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: 5. Bush, D., and Lemmon, R. (2017) Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Farmers and Agricultural Workers In Rural America.Hawaii University International Conference in Honolulu, HI, January 2, 2017.


Progress 05/22/15 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audiences of this project are farmers and agricultural workers in rural South Carolina, who operate farming equipment during their daily task. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided the project director and graduate student (MANRRS) the opportunity to present at the following conferences: 1) National Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) in Jacksonville, FL Spring 2016; 2) South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association Convention in February 2016; and 3) the project director obtained a certification in hearing conservation from the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation in December 2015. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, PI plan to obtain equipment necessary to carry out the objectives of the proposal. Additionally, PI will, continue to disseminate surveys to assess the percentage of farmers, who wear hearing protection and those who do not, while operating farming machinery.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? To comply with these goals, contact was made with two (2) farm leaders in Orangeburg and Clarendon counties to help solicit participants for this study. A total of 10 farmers have agreed to participate in study thus far.

Publications