Farmers readily admit they are exposed to hazardous noise levels during daily farming, but just how bad is it? This is the story of a farmer who is happy that his new Earlens® can survive the harsh conditions of farming, and he can also hear better than ever. “The quality of the sound is crisp and clear, and the wind noise is reduced which means a lot for a farmer.”
Farmers readily admit they are exposed to hazardous noise levels during daily farming. Just how bad is it? An enclosed tractor cab exposes you to about 92 dB of sound; the sound of a squealing pig – 100 dB of sound; and a chain saw – 115dB
According to the National Institute of Health sounds at or below 70 dBs are generally considered safe while sounds about 85 dB are likely to damage a person’s hearing over time.
Hazardous noise on the farm was behind Madison farmer Steve Strom’s hearing loss.
“I experienced my hearing loss probably about 15 years ago due to noise levels from my farming equipment and tools,” he said.
Strom gave hearing aids a try. In fact, he tried twice with two different brands. But neither were adequate to provide good hearing with the tough conditions and lifestyle required in farming. Strom decided to prioritize his hearing needs and visited with Audiologist, Robert Froke at Midwest ENT & Allergy about Earlens.
Froke, who also wears Earlens, knows firsthand the huge difference it makes. ”Wearing Earlens myself makes it all the easier to introduce the concept to patients. The sound quality is second to none,” Froke says.
Earlens is an FDA-approved hearing device that is not an implant, nor a conventional hearing aid, but rather a hearing lens. This tiny lens is placed directly on the eardrum. The ear tip transmits the broadest range of frequencies of any hearing technology on the market today. It sends high fidelity audio signals directly to the lens, gently vibrating the eardrum and creating enhanced sound.
“I started the Earlens process in 2021. The staff at Midwest ENT & Allergy were very accommodating,” says Strom. He has had his Earlens for over six months and loves everything about his new hearing device.
“Since I farm, my Earlens is exposed to all kinds of elements. They have held up to wind, dust, sweat, moisture, heat, and cold, and they keep working. They have been well worth the time and money invested. And they don’t require batteries.”
Not only is Strom happy that his new Earlens can survive the harsh conditions of farming, but he can also hear better than ever.
“The quality of the sound is crisp and clear, and the wind noise is reduced which means a lot for a farmer.”
His wife and family are happy too. “I can hear my grandkids and my family says I don’t say ‘what’ all the time.”
Earlens is only available in South Dakota through Midwest ENT & Allergy. To see if Earlens is right for you, call Midwest ENT & Allergy to schedule your consultation and demonstration today. You won’t believe the difference.