Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Mobile telephone use effects on peripheral audiovestibular function: a case-control study med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2008; 29 (2): 108-117

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study whether low-level radiofrequency stimulation from mobile phones has an effect on peripheral auditory and/or vestibular function, and to study whether some individuals who report symptoms after mobile phone use have a demonstrably greater change in peripheral auditory and/or vestibular function, than individuals who do not report such symptoms.

Background/further details

Nine case-subjects, who complained of various symptoms after prolonged mobile telephone use and 21 control subjects participated.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 882 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min
  • SAR: 1.3 W/kg maximum (10 g)
  • power: 2 W peak value
Exposure 2: 882 MHz
Modulation type: CW

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 882 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup handset mounted on an adjustable plastic headband placed so that the antenna is touching or within a few mm of the head
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 1.3 W/kg maximum measured 10 g -
power 2 W peak value - - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 882 MHz
Type
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 250 mW mean - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

There were no significant transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) changes from baseline to post-exposure recording for any of the exposures and no significant differences in the TEOAEs change from baseline to post exposure between cases and controls.
The data of vestibulo-ocular reflex did not show any effect of the exposure on the vestibular end organ in either cases or controls.
In conclusion, 30 min exposure to mobile phone radiofrequency did not show any immediate effects on vestibulo-cochlear function.

Study character:

Study funded by

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