New research suggests that graphic novelas could improve life for Spanish-speaking agricultural workers.

Researchers at the University of Wyoming found that graphic novels, which usually conjure up dark images of superheroes cleaning up the mean streets of Gotham or Metropolis, could help prevent hearing loss in these industry professionals.

"Hearing loss can occur over a short amount of time exposed to very loud noise or from consistent exposure to noise over a long period of time," Mark Guiberson said in a statement. "Both can be damaging."

In the Mountain West region, hearing loss is common among Spanish-speaking agricultural workers due to their proximity to noise produced by heavy farm equipment and livestock, according to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2013 study. Many of these workers possess basic to early literacy skills, so may have less access to health care information.

However, Pew Research studies have shown that current trends in consumer patterns of digital and technology usage to obtain health information. This indicates that Hispanic/Latino populations are beginning to rely heavily on digital media over traditional print media for health information.

For the study, Guiberson and his colleagues plan to visit farms in Wyoming and Colorado this summer to determine their level of knowledge of noise-induced hearing loss and attitudes toward wearing hearing protection devices, such as ear plugs or ear muffs. He will then show them the digital graphic novela (presented in Spanish, on an iPad), which depicts a conversation between agricultural workers named Jose and Diego.

"We want to see if their knowledge and beliefs have changed," Guiberson said. "Hearing conservation resources delivered in Spanish through digital media may lead to significant improvement in the hearing health of Spanish-speaking agricultural workers."

The $25,000 pilot study is funded by the Center for Disease Control and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health through the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.