Effects of chronic exposure to electromagnetic waves on the auditory system

Abstract

Conclusion: The results support that chronic electromagnetic field exposure may cause damage by leading to neuronal degeneration of the auditory system. Objectives: Numerous researches have been done about the risks of exposure to the electromagnetic fields that occur during the use of these devices, especially the effects on hearing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the mobile phones through the electrophysiological and histological methods. Methods: Twelve adult Wistar albino rats were included in the study. The rats were divided into two groups of six rats. The study group was exposed to the electromagnetic waves over a period of 30 days. The control group was not given any exposure to the electromagnetic fields. After the completion of the electromagnetic wave application, the auditory brainstem responses of both groups were recorded under anesthesia. The degeneration of cochlear nuclei was graded by two different histologists, both of whom were blinded to group information. Results: The histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis showed neuronal degeneration signs, such as increased vacuolization in the cochlear nucleus, pyknotic cell appearance, and edema in the group exposed to the electromagnetic fields compared to the control group. The average latency of wave in the ABR was similar in both groups (p > 0.05).

Keywords:

• Electromagnetic field
• auditory system
• mobile phone

Acknowledgments

No financial support or funding was used in this study. This study were presented as an oral presentation in III. National Otology and Neuro-otology Congress, May 1–4, 2014, Antalya, Turkey (Best oral presentation, 3rd place).

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.