Assessment of auditory evoked potential in long-term mobile phone users.

Abstract

Mobile phones emit strong electromagnetic wave which causes structural and functional changes in the cell membrane within the central nervous system especially auditory system. The effect of duration of mobile phone use on auditory function was examined One hundred and seventy three long-term mobile phone users aged around 17-39 yrs (both male and female) were recruited in this study. The subjects were divided into three groups according to their age Group I (17-19 yrs), Group II (20-29 yrs), Group III (30-39 yrs). After getting informed consent the subjects were instructed to fill the questionnaire for the history related to our study, conduction deafness auditory brainstem response in both the ears were assessed. Significant difference was observed among three groups in their duration of mobile phone use. Latency of Waves in three groups showed significant difference. The average latency (both right and left ear) of waves I-V was found to be prolonged in Group II when compared to Group I and Group III. Interpeak latencies I-V and I-III showed differences among three groups. The findings of present study showed abnormalities in the conduction of electrical signals in different levels of auditory pathway.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In 173 long-term mobile phone users grouped by age (17–19, 20–29, 30–39 years), ABR wave latencies differed significantly among groups. Average wave I–V latencies (both ears) were prolonged in the 20–29 year group compared with the 17–19 and 30–39 year groups, and interpeak latencies (I–V and I–III) also differed among groups; authors interpret this as abnormalities in electrical signal conduction along the auditory pathway.

Outcomes measured

• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave latencies (I–V)
• Interpeak latencies (I–V, I–III)
• Auditory pathway conduction abnormalities

Limitations

• Cross-sectional design; no non-user/unexposed control group described
• Exposure assessment appears questionnaire-based; specific phone characteristics (frequency, SAR) not reported
• Grouping is by age; potential confounding by age and other factors not addressed in abstract
• Outcome differences reported between age groups rather than directly by quantified duration of use

Suggested hubs

• mobile-phones (0.9)
  Study evaluates auditory evoked potentials in long-term mobile phone users.

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    "exposure": {
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        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "long-term use; duration differed significantly among age groups"
    },
    "population": "Long-term mobile phone users aged ~17–39 years (male and female)",
    "sample_size": 173,
    "outcomes": [
        "Auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave latencies (I–V)",
        "Interpeak latencies (I–V, I–III)",
        "Auditory pathway conduction abnormalities"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In 173 long-term mobile phone users grouped by age (17–19, 20–29, 30–39 years), ABR wave latencies differed significantly among groups. Average wave I–V latencies (both ears) were prolonged in the 20–29 year group compared with the 17–19 and 30–39 year groups, and interpeak latencies (I–V and I–III) also differed among groups; authors interpret this as abnormalities in electrical signal conduction along the auditory pathway.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Cross-sectional design; no non-user/unexposed control group described",
        "Exposure assessment appears questionnaire-based; specific phone characteristics (frequency, SAR) not reported",
        "Grouping is by age; potential confounding by age and other factors not addressed in abstract",
        "Outcome differences reported between age groups rather than directly by quantified duration of use"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
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        "radiofrequency",
        "auditory brainstem response",
        "auditory evoked potential",
        "latency",
        "interpeak latency",
        "auditory pathway"
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