Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

Mobile telephone use effects on peripheral audiovestibular function: a case-control study. med./biol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
To study whether low-level radiofrequency stimulation from mobile phones has an effect on peripheral auditory and/or vestibular function, and to study whether some individuals who report symptoms after mobile phone use have a demonstrably greater change in peripheral auditory and/or vestibular function, than individuals who do not report such symptoms.
Background/further details:
Nine case-subjects, who complained of various symptoms after prolonged mobile telephone use and 21 control subjects participated.

Endpoint

• audiovestibular function (outer hair cell function and vestibulo-ocular reflex)

Exposure
General category: mobile communication system, GSM, CW (continuous wave), PW (pulsed wave)

Field characteristics	Parameters
field 1: 882 MHz pulsed (PW) exposure duration: continuous for 30 min	SAR: 1.3 W/kg max value (10 g) power: 2 W peak value
field 2: 882 MHz continuous wave (CW)	power: 250 mW mean value

Exposed system:
human
partial body exposure: ear (each side)

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• outer hair cell function of ear (transient evoked otoacoustic emissions) and vestibulo-ocular reflex (video-oculography)

Main outcome of study (according to author)
There were no significant transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) changes from baseline to post-exposure recording for any of the exposures and no significant differences in the TEOAEs change from baseline to post exposure between cases and controls.
The data of vestibulo-ocular reflex did not show any effect of the exposure on the vestibular end organ in either cases or controls.
In conclusion, 30 min exposure to mobile phone radiofrequency did not show any immediate effects on vestibulo-cochlear function.

(Study character: medical/biological study, experimental study, full/main study, double-blind study)

Study funded by

• Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR), UK

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