Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of Bluetooth device electromagnetic field on hearing: pilot study med./bio.

Published in: J Laryngol Otol 2012; 126 (4): 345-348

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the potential changes in hearing function as a consequence of using Bluetooth devices.

Background/further details

30 subjects (10 men, 20 women) were exposed to a Bluetooth headset device 1) in standby mode for 6 hours and 2) subsequently at full power for 10 minutes.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.4–2.5 GHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 6 hours in standby mode then for 10 min in active mode at full power
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Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.4–2.5 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 6 hours in standby mode then for 10 min in active mode at full power
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber soundproof room
Setup headset located on ear of participant's preference (18 on left ear, 12 on right ear); headset was paired with a mobile phone
Parameters

No parameters are specified for this exposure.

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)

The data did not show any statistically significant changes in hearing function following either exposure type. The authors conclude that exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted by a Bluetooth headset did not decrease hearing thresholds or alter distortion product otoacoustic emissions.

Study character:

Study funded by

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