Human auditory system response to modulated electromagnetic energy

Abstract

The intent of this paper is to bring a new phenomenon to the attention of physiologists. Using extremely low average power densities of electromagnetic energy, the perception of sounds was induced in normal and deaf humans. The effect was induced several hundred feet from the antenna the instant the transmitter was turned on, and is a function of carrier frequency and modulation. Attempts were made to match the sounds induced by electromagnetic energy and acoustic energy. The closest match occurred when the acoustic amplifier was driven by the rf transmitter’s modulator. Peak power density is a critical factor and, with acoustic noise of approximately 80 db, a peak power density of approximately 275 mw/cm2 is needed to induce the perception at carrier frequencies of 425 mc and 1,310 mc. The average power density can be at least as low as 400 pw/cm2. The evidence for the various possible sites of the electromagnetic energy sensor are discussed and locations peripheral to the cochlea are ruled out.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

The paper reports that modulated RF electromagnetic energy induced perception of sounds in normal and deaf humans at distances of several hundred feet from the antenna when the transmitter was turned on. The effect depended on carrier frequency, modulation, and peak power density; under approximately 80 dB acoustic noise, a peak power density of about 275 mW/cm2 was needed at carrier frequencies of 425 and 1,310 MHz, while average power density could be as low as 400 pW/cm2.

Outcomes measured

• perception of sounds induced by modulated electromagnetic energy
• dependence on carrier frequency and modulation
• peak power density threshold for auditory perception
• comparison of induced sounds with acoustic matching
• discussion of possible site of electromagnetic energy sensor

Limitations

• Sample size not stated in the abstract
• Exposure details are incomplete beyond selected carrier frequencies and power densities
• Abstract describes a phenomenon and discussion of mechanism rather than a controlled health outcome study

{
    "study_type": "other",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "other",
        "frequency_mhz": 425,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "normal and deaf humans",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "perception of sounds induced by modulated electromagnetic energy",
        "dependence on carrier frequency and modulation",
        "peak power density threshold for auditory perception",
        "comparison of induced sounds with acoustic matching",
        "discussion of possible site of electromagnetic energy sensor"
    ],
    "main_findings": "The paper reports that modulated RF electromagnetic energy induced perception of sounds in normal and deaf humans at distances of several hundred feet from the antenna when the transmitter was turned on. The effect depended on carrier frequency, modulation, and peak power density; under approximately 80 dB acoustic noise, a peak power density of about 275 mW/cm2 was needed at carrier frequencies of 425 and 1,310 MHz, while average power density could be as low as 400 pW/cm2.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not stated in the abstract",
        "Exposure details are incomplete beyond selected carrier frequencies and power densities",
        "Abstract describes a phenomenon and discussion of mechanism rather than a controlled health outcome study"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.88000000000000000444089209850062616169452667236328125,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "RF",
        "microwave auditory effect",
        "modulation",
        "carrier frequency",
        "power density",
        "hearing",
        "humans",
        "deaf humans"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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