Does the short-term exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field originating from mobile phone affect auditory functions as measured by Acoustic Admittance and Evoked Otoacoustic Emission tests?

Abstract

Does the short-term exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field originating from mobile phone affect auditory functions as measured by Acoustic Admittance and Evoked Otoacoustic Emission tests? Artur Kacprzyk, Sebastian Kocoń, Jacek Składzień, Eugeniusz Rokita, Rafał Pawlak, Jakub Kwiecień, Grzegorz Tatoń. Does the short-term exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field originating from mobile phone affect auditory functions as measured by Acoustic Admittance and Evoked Otoacoustic Emission tests? Electromagn Biol Med. 2020 Sep 30;1-8. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2020.1826960. Abstract Background: Mobile phones constitute an important source of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) for humans. Taking into account high sensitivity of sensory hair cells of the inner ear to endogenous and exogenous agents, the potential impact of mobile phone usage on auditory organs is of particular interest. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of short-term exposure to RF-EMF generated by a mobile phone during 15-minute simulated phone call on human hearing as measured by Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) and Acoustic Admittance Testing (AAT). Material and methods: Within-subject study was performed on 23 healthy volunteers. All of the participants underwent TEOAE and AAT before and immediately after 15-minute simulated phone call with the use of a standard, modern smartphone. Analyzed parameters included: static compliance of tympanic membrane, middle ear pressure, ipsi- and contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds and percentage of signal reproducibility in TEOAE for exposed and non-exposed ear. Additionally, the results were compared in subgroups distinguished basing on self-reported sensitivity to RF-EMF originating from mobile phones. Results: No statistically significant differences were identified between results of TEOAE and AAT before and after exposure, both in exposed and non-exposed ear. The results of EMF sensitive and non-sensitive subjects were comparable in all performed tests. Conclusions: Short-term exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic field did not influence auditory functions as measured by Evoked Otoacoustic Emission test and Acoustic Admittance Testing. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Limitations Study sample was relatively small and consisted only of males. Such a sample may not be representative for the entire population, thus the conclusions drawn from the research cannot be simply generalized. Furthermore, only single signal frequency band (2100 MHz) was used in our study protocol. Keeping in mind that new generations of cellular telecommunication are currently being implemented it is important to conduct further studies to assess their potential hazards.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In 23 healthy volunteers, no statistically significant differences were found in TEOAE or AAT measures before vs immediately after a 15-minute simulated mobile phone call, in either the exposed or non-exposed ear. Results were comparable between self-reported EMF-sensitive and non-sensitive participants.

Outcomes measured

• Auditory function via Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE)
• Acoustic Admittance Testing (AAT): static compliance of tympanic membrane
• AAT: middle ear pressure
• AAT: ipsi- and contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds
• TEOAE: percentage of signal reproducibility
• Comparison by self-reported RF-EMF sensitivity

Limitations

• Small sample size (n=23)
• Participants consisted only of males; may not be representative/generalizable
• Only a single frequency band was used (2100 MHz)

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.2)
  Human study of RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones; relevant to general RF health evidence discussions.

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        "frequency_mhz": 2100,
        "sar_wkg": null,
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