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Do induction loops pose a hazard to health?
V G Rivlin1, A B King, B C Grover
1Royal National Institute for the Deaf, London, UK.
British Journal of Audiology
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Induction loops, promoted by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID), enhance hearing aid communication in public spaces. The magnetic fields used are safe, with minimal health risks according to current scientific understanding.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Electromagnetism
- Public Health
Background:
- The Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) advocates for induction loop systems.
- Induction loops significantly improve communication for hearing aid users, especially in public environments.
- Effective functioning requires magnetic flux densities within established safety limits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the health implications of magnetic flux densities used in induction loop systems.
- To provide a scientific basis for the safety of induction loop technology.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on magnetic field exposure and health effects.
- Comparison of induction loop magnetic flux densities with typical environmental and occupational exposures.
Main Results:
- Induction loop systems require magnetic flux densities of 100-500 nT for optimal performance.
- These field strengths are comparable to everyday domestic exposures.
- They are considerably lower than magnetic fields commonly encountered in occupational settings.
Conclusions:
- Based on current scientific knowledge, the health risks associated with induction loop systems are minimal.
- The use of induction loops for enhanced hearing aid communication is supported as a safe technology.