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

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Mobile phone
• electromagnetic field
• hearing

Data availability statement

Study dataset is available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs subsidy for National Institute of Telecommunications under [Grant 1/DT/2019 dated May 13th, 2019; task number 01.10.1.01.01.9].