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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
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Cochlear Implantation in the Guinea Pig
Published on: June 15, 2018
Cochllear implants and GSM phone
M J Sorri1, K H Huttunen, T T Välimaa
1Center for Wellness Technology, University of Oulu, Finland
Scandinavian Audiology. Supplementum
|April 25, 2001
Summary
Cochlear implant users
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electromagnetics
Background:
- Mobile phones are increasingly common.
- Assessing electromagnetic compatibility with cochlear implants is crucial for user safety and device functionality.
- Previous research on GSM phone interference with cochlear implants is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the compatibility of specific GSM phone models with different cochlear implant systems.
- To identify potential risks and limitations for cochlear implant users when using mobile phones.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey was conducted among adult Finnish cochlear implant recipients to assess mobile phone usage.
- Two Nokia GSM phone models (3110 and 6110) were tested for electromagnetic interference with three cochlear implant systems (Nucleus Spectra, Nucleus SPrint, and Med-El Combi 40+).
- Testing involved nine patients with different cochlear implant devices.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in compatibility were observed between cochlear implant systems and GSM phones.
- The Nucleus Spectra system showed complete incompatibility with both tested GSM phones.
- The Nucleus SPrint system exhibited partial incompatibility, dependent on signal strength.
- The Med-El Combi 40+ system demonstrated full compatibility with both GSM phone models under all tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implant system compatibility with GSM phones varies significantly.
- The Med-El Combi 40+ system is a viable option for users requiring mobile phone functionality.
- Further research is needed to ensure broader compatibility and minimize interference for all cochlear implant users.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hair Cells
Hair cells are the sensory receptors of the auditory system—they transduce mechanical sound waves into electrical energy that the nervous system can understand. Hair cells are located in the organ of Corti within the cochlea of the inner ear, between the basilar and tectorial membranes. The actual sensory receptors are called inner hair cells. The outer hair cells serve other functions, such as sound amplification in the cochlea, and are not discussed in detail here.
01:13The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.