Older farmers are undoubtedly at an increased risk on the farm, according to the IFA. Accidents involving farmers over 55 years of age account for 55% of farm deaths and 35% of fatal accidents on farms involve persons aged 65 or more. The majority of these fatal accidents were caused by tractors or machinery, livestock and falls from a height.

IFA president Joe Healy said: “We can’t stay young forever and we have to recognise that ageing does affect not just our mobility and strength but also our hearing and eyesight. This places older farmers at an increased risk of accident on the farm."

We are encouraging older farmers to recognise their limitations

The IFA has partnered with Hidden Hearing to encourage farm families to avail of free hearing checks for anyone over the age of 50.

Of all the senses, hearing fundamentally affects quality of life and has important health and safety implications, according to Hidden Hearing CEO Stephen Leddy, who says that over half the population aged between 60 and 80 are likely to have measurable hearing loss.

“Hearing loss is a simple fact of life as we age. But, hearing facilitates communication and social interaction, supporting our relationships and daily activities and it means we can be alerted to danger and [be] more conscious of it”, Stephen Leddy explains.

Free hearing check

As part of Farm Safety Week, Hidden Hearing is encouraging all over-50s to book a free hearing checkup. Free earwax removal is also offered by the hearing healthcare provider.

Worryingly, one in four farmers also admitted to never wearing ear protection in noisy farm environments

Farmers can also avail of an exclusive 15% discount on any hearing devices that may be required if they book an appointment at any Hidden Hearing branch before the end of August 2018 and mention the Farm Safety Week promotion when booking.

One third of farmers admit suffering hearing loss

Recent research by Hidden Hearing at agricultural shows indicated that one third of farmers admitted to hearing loss and ringing in their ears as a problem. But further investigation actually showed that inability to hear conversations and background noise meant the problem was more widespread.

Worryingly, one in four farmers also admitted to never wearing ear protection in noisy farm environments.

Excessive noise exposure is a hazard on farms and can damage hearing over the years, so it is important to check for hearing loss that can place farmers at increased risk of accident, the hearing specialists say.

For more information on Farm Safety Week UK & Ireland, visit click here or follow @IFAmedia on Twitter using the hashtag #FarmSafetyWeek