Evaluation of the inter-person variability of hazards to the users of BAHA hearing implants caused by exposure to a low frequency magnetic field

Abstract

Purpose: In this work, the inter-person variability of hazards caused by a low frequency magnetic field exposure (of various polarization and homogeneity near to the magneto therapy applicator) to users of bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) hearing implants were investigated with respect to various head structures.

Material and methods: The effects of exposure were evaluated by numerical simulations of the electric field (E_in) induced in head phantoms (regular or with implant model). Phantoms mimic head dimensions and thicknesses of layers of skin, fat, skull bones, and brain.

Results: The values of E_in obtained in the phantom of the BAHA user’s head were several times (up to 4.5) higher than in a regular person. The highest differences in E_in values were found in the skin and fat tissues – up to 80% in phantoms of various structures (statistically significant differences related to various tissues thicknesses, not-significant with relation to phantom dimensions – Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni correction, p < .017) and up to 3 times with magnetic field spatial distribution (statistically significant with different polarization).

Conclusions: The results support the need to assess the electromagnetic fields hazards to individual implant user exposed to the magnetic field at a level approaching the exposure limits set by international guidelines.

Keywords:

• Electromagnetic field
• numerical simulations
• hearing implants
• induced electric field strength
• public health
• occupational safety

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the networking support by COST Action BM1309 (COST EMF-MED).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported within the National Programme “Improvement of safety and working conditions” in Poland – within the scope of research and development – by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education/National Centre for Research and Development (task II.P.14). The CIOP-PIB is the Program’s main co-ordinator.

Notes on contributors

Patryk Zradziński

Patryk Zradziński, PhD (Eng) is a researcher at Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute, Warszawa, Poland, in Laboratory of Electromagnetic Hazards with over 15 years? experience in numerical simulations related to electromagnetic hazards, in research, training and education.