Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Assessment of potential effects of the electromagnetic fields of mobile phones on hearing med./bio.

Published in: BMC Public Health 2005; 5: 39

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To assess potential changes in hearing function as a consequence of exposure to low-intensity electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 10 min
Exposure 2: 1,800 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 10 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 10 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber Sound-treated booth of 2.5 m x 2 m
Setup The mobile phone was fixed to the tested ear using a special headband and positioning system (all parts made from non-metallic plastic materials), so that the centre of the radiated field should be over the entrance of the external ear canal. Participants were simultaneously exposed to GSM radiation and an acoustic stimulus.
Additional info Participants attended two sessions on separate days with genuine or sham exposure, double-blind and counterbalanced in order.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 2 W - measured - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 1,800 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 10 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 1 W - measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the mean shift of pure-tone audiometry and transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) values before and after genuine and/or sham mobile phone electromagnetic field exposure.
The authors concluded that a 10-min close exposure of electromagnetic fields emitted from a mobile phone had no immediate after-effect on measurements of hearing threshold level on pure-tone audiometry and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. No measurable hearing deterioration was detected.

Study character:

Study funded by

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