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Is cochlear outer hair cell function affected by mobile telephone radiation?
P M Monnery1, E I Srouji, J Bartlett
1Department of Otolaryngology, St George's Hospital, London, UK. philmonnery@doctors.org.uk
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences
|November 10, 2004
Summary
High-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) from mobile phones did not measurably affect auditory function. Otoacoustic emissions testing showed no significant changes in outer hair cell function during phone use.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Electromagnetic field effects
- Otoacoustic emissions
Background:
- Mobile telephones emit pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF).
- PEMF has known biological effects, with potential impacts on the auditory system.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) reflect the functional status of the auditory system's outer hair cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether PEMF radiation from mobile phones causes measurable changes in Otoacoustic emissions.
- To assess the immediate effects of mobile phone use on the auditory system's outer hair cell function.
Main Methods:
- 12 healthy volunteers with normal hearing underwent pure tone audiometry.
- Otoacoustic emissions were recorded before, during, and after exposure to a mobile phone placed on the mastoid process.
- Measurements were taken during both receive and transmit modes of the mobile phone.
Main Results:
- No alterations in the Otoacoustic emission trace signature were observed during mobile phone use.
- Statistical analysis revealed no significant changes in the measured OAE parameters.
- This suggests PEMF exposure from handheld mobile phones did not impact outer hair cell function.
Conclusions:
- Handheld mobile telephones emitting PEMF do not produce measurable effects on outer hair cell function during typical usage.
- Current mobile phone technology, under the tested conditions, appears safe concerning immediate auditory outer hair cell function.
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