STUDY OF EFFECTS OF CELL PHONE ON EAR

Introduction: The widespread use of mobile telephones has given rise to concern about potential influence of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human health. Mobile phones emit a pulsed high frequency electromagnetic (EM) field that may have adverse effects. They transmit and receive microwave radiation at frequencies mainly ranged between 800 and 2000 MHz [1], which excites rotation of water molecules and some organic molecules, but is non-ionising [1] and so, would not be expected to damage DNA. This microwave radiation has been reported to have thermal and non- thermal effects in humans.

Materials and Methods: 50 patients having symptoms after using cell phones regularly >10 min/day without having any external, middle & inner ear anatomical or pathological abnormalities, systemic diseases, not on ototoxic drugs, no history of ear trauma or exposure to loud noise were observed from period of 2008 -2010.

Conclusions: following precautions need to be taken.

Limit use of mobile phone for short duration
Buy your mobile phone from genuine company with low SAR value.
Try to use ear phones or head phones or in loud speaker mode.
Avoid use in pregnant females and in children.
Don’t use defective mobile phones.
Avoid direct contact of mobile phone to ear.
If possible, use landline phone or text messaging instead of mobile phone.
Do not make a call when the signal strength is weak.