Can electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones stimulate the vestibular organ?
OBJECTIVE
Pulsating electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitted by mobile phones is often incriminated for causing tissue alterations by caloric effects. In particular, the eye and the ear were regarded as possible "hot spots," with heating up to 1 degree C, in which EM radiation might have negative effects. If so, these temperature increments should be large enough to cause vestibular excitation. In this study, we attempted to verify this theory by clinical testing and in vitro experiments.


METHODS
In our laboratory, a simulated GSM signal (889.6 MHz/2.2 W) was applied to 1 ear at a time, while video nystagmography was performed. The experimental setup was similar to that used for caloric (hot and cold water) testing of the peripheral vestibular organ. Data were evaluated by a computer system. There were 13 volunteers (26 ears) included in our study. In an additional experiment, temperatures of human temporal bones were measured by thermography, while a continuous or pulsating EM field was applied.


RESULTS
In no volunteer could EM radiation-induced nystagmus be recorded. This corresponds well to our findings that in the human temporal bone very weak caloric effects could only be found in the tissue layers next to the radiation source (antenna of the mobile phone), whereas deeper regions (horizontal semicircular canal) seemed unaffected (at least less than 0.1 degree C).


CONCLUSIONS
These results do not support the theory that mobile phone-induced EM radiation may cause caloric negative effects in the human ear.
Pau
Hans Wilhelm
HW
ENT Department, Medical School, University of Rostock, Germany. hans-wilhelm.pau@med.uni-rostock.de
Sievert
Uwe
U
Eggert
Siegfried
S
Wild
Walter
W
D000328:Adult; D040421:Cell Phone; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009760:Nystagmus, Physiologic / Q000528:radiation effects; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D013817:Thermography; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000528:radiation effects*