Effects of Bluetooth device electromagnetic field on hearing: pilot study.
BACKGROUND
The Bluetooth wireless headset has been promoted as a 'hands-free' device with a low emission of electromagnetic radiation.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate potential changes in hearing function as a consequence of using Bluetooth devices, by assessing changes in pure tone audiography and distortion production otoacoustic emissions.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Thirty adult volunteers were exposed to a Bluetooth headset device (1) on 'standby' setting for 6 hours and (2) at full power for 10 minutes. Post-exposure hearing was evaluated using pure tone audiography and distortion production otoacoustic emission testing.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant changes in hearing, as measured above, following either exposure type.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted by a Bluetooth headset, as described above, did not decrease hearing thresholds or alter distortion product otoacoustic emissions.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. b_rekha@yahoo.com
R
R
Balachandran
N
N
Prepageran
N
N
Prepagaran
O
O
Rahmat
A B
AB
Zulkiflee
K S
KS
Hufaida
D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000528:radiation effects; D040421:Cell Phone; D003051:Cochlea; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006309:Hearing / Q000528:radiation effects*; D034381:Hearing Loss; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017084:Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D059015:Wireless Technology; D055815:Young Adult