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Kacprzyk A, Stefura T, Krzysztofik M, Rok T, Rokita E, Tatoń G. The Impact of Mobile Phone Use on Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Bioelectromagnetics 2021; 42:105-114. [PMID: 33440459 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a perception of sound in the absence of an external source. The aim of our study was to investigate with a meta-analytical approach, whether mobile phone (MP) use increases the risk of tinnitus. Eight studies reporting the risk of tinnitus in relation to MP use were identified, and six high-quality studies (two cohort studies, one case-control study, and three cross-sectional ones) were included in the meta-analysis. The quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The risk of tinnitus was analyzed depending on the exposure to MPs in subgroups according to the study design and method of exposure assessment. Two cohort studies, which assessed the exposure to MPs using network operator data, indicated no significantly increased risk of tinnitus among highly exposed MP users in comparison to lightly exposed individuals (odds ratio [OR]: 1.03 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-1.15]). Likewise, the self-reported exposure data from two cohorts/case-control and four cross-sectional studies did not find an association between exposure to MPs and tinnitus (OR: 1.20 [95% CI: 0.40-3.61] and OR: 1.73 [95% CI: 0.67-4.49], respectively). Current scientific knowledge, including high-quality studies with a reliable exposure assessment based on network operator data, does not support the hypothesis that MP use is associated with tinnitus. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Kacprzyk
- Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
- Doctoral School in Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | | | | | - Tomasz Rok
- Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Eugeniusz Rokita
- Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Tatoń
- Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
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Kacprzyk A, Kocoń S, Składzień J, Rokita E, Pawlak R, Kwiecień J, Tatoń G. Does the short-term exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field originating from mobile phone affect auditory functions as measured by Acoustic Admittance and Evoked Otoacoustic Emission tests? Electromagn Biol Med 2020; 39:411-418. [PMID: 32993394 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2020.1826960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile phones constitute an important source of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) for humans. Taking into account high sensitivity of sensory hair cells of the inner ear to endogenous and exogenous agents, the potential impact of mobile phone usage on auditory organs is of particular interest. AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of short-term exposure to RF-EMF generated by a mobile phone during 15-minute simulated phone call on human hearing as measured by Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) and Acoustic Admittance Testing (AAT). MATERIAL AND METHODS Within-subject study was performed on 23 healthy volunteers. All of the participants underwent TEOAE and AAT before and immediately after 15-minute simulated phone call with the use of a standard, modern smartphone. Analyzed parameters included: static compliance of tympanic membrane, middle ear pressure, ipsi- and contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds and percentage of signal reproducibility in TEOAE for exposed and non-exposed ear. Additionally, the results were compared in subgroups distinguished basing on self-reported sensitivity to RF-EMF originating from mobile phones. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were identified between results of TEOAE and AAT before and after exposure, both in exposed and non-exposed ear. The results of EMF sensitive and non-sensitive subjects were comparable in all performed tests. CONCLUSIONS Short-term exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic field did not influence auditory functions as measured by Evoked Otoacoustic Emission test and Acoustic Admittance Testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Kacprzyk
- Department of Biophysics, Chair of Physiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland.,Doctoral School in Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
| | - Sebastian Kocoń
- Department of Otolaryngology, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
| | - Jacek Składzień
- Department of Otolaryngology, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
| | - Eugeniusz Rokita
- Department of Biophysics, Chair of Physiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
| | - Rafał Pawlak
- National Institute of Telecommunications, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Kwiecień
- National Institute of Telecommunications, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Tatoń
- Department of Biophysics, Chair of Physiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
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Šuka D, Pejović P, Simić-Pejović M. APPLICATION OF TIME-AVERAGED AND INTEGRAL-BASED MEASURE FOR MEASUREMENT RESULTS VARIABILITY REDUCTION IN GSM/DCS/UMTS SYSTEMS. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 187:191-214. [PMID: 31297514 PMCID: PMC7203997 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncz154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Since EMF levels from wireless telecommunication networks are non-stationary and exhibit large temporal variations, the use of continuous measurements during extended periods (preferably 24 h or longer) with a data-logging system is required. Because of the short-term variations of E field, the 6-min measurements and 6-min averaged results to obtain the mean level strength at a given place appear to be dependent on the time of measurements during the day. This paper presents a new (integral-based) measure to evaluate electromagnetic exposure. The new measure is a pure physical descriptor of the amount of exposed energy density (a parameter accumulated from instantaneous power density values in time). To confirm previous observations, continuous measurements with personal exposure metre were recorded 24 h a day for two weeks at every location in urban area, 14 different locations in total. Additionally, to check temporal variations and repeatability of exposure assessment, a week of prolonged measurements was taken 6 months later, making in total three weeks of measurements at 2 locations. Day-to-day repeatability of RF-EMF exposure was analysed through the time-averaged and integral-based measure. The analysis is based on approximately 5.1 million data samples (1.7 million for each band). The ratio between the maximum and minimum instantaneous (maximum and minimum 6-min averaged) E field values during the day could reach up to 25 dB (20 dB). Therefore, great variability in the results may occur. By applying the 24 h time-averaged and integral-based measure on a 24 h data set of measurements, the variability of daily exposure could stay within ±20% of the week mean level obtained either with the time-averaged or integral-based measure. Both, the time-averaged E field and integral-based power density exposures of the general public in all locations were found to be well below the general public exposure limits of the ICNIRP guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Šuka
- University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Predrag Pejović
- University of Belgrade, School of Electrical Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia
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Yorgancilar E, Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Akkus Z, Akdag M, Topcu I. Does all-day and long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi affect hearing? BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2017.1373033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ediz Yorgancilar
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Dasdag
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Zülküf Akdag
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Zeki Akkus
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Akdag
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Ismail Topcu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
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Bhatt CR, Redmayne M, Abramson MJ, Benke G. Instruments to assess and measure personal and environmental radiofrequency-electromagnetic field exposures. AUSTRALASIAN PHYSICAL & ENGINEERING SCIENCES IN MEDICINE 2015; 39:29-42. [PMID: 26684750 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-015-0412-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure of human populations is increasing due to the widespread use of mobile phones and other telecommunication and broadcasting technologies. There are ongoing concerns about potential short- and long-term public health consequences from RF-EMF exposures. To elucidate the RF-EMF exposure-effect relationships, an objective evaluation of the exposures with robust assessment tools is necessary. This review discusses and compares currently available RF-EMF exposure assessment instruments, which can be used in human epidemiological studies. Quantitative assessment instruments are either mobile phone-based (apps/software-modified and hardware-modified) or exposimeters. Each of these tool has its usefulness and limitations. Our review suggests that assessment of RF-EMF exposures can be improved by using these tools compared to the proxy measures of exposure (e.g. questionnaires and billing records). This in turn, could be used to help increase knowledge about RF-EMF exposure induced health effects in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhavi Raj Bhatt
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Victoria, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
| | - Mary Redmayne
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Victoria, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Victoria, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Geza Benke
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Victoria, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
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Gherardini L, Ciuti G, Tognarelli S, Cinti C. Searching for the perfect wave: the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cells. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:5366-87. [PMID: 24681584 PMCID: PMC4013569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15045366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing concern in the population about the effects that environmental exposure to any source of “uncontrolled” radiation may have on public health. Anxiety arises from the controversial knowledge about the effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure to cells and organisms but most of all concerning the possible causal relation to human diseases. Here we reviewed those in vitro and in vivo and epidemiological works that gave a new insight about the effect of radio frequency (RF) exposure, relating to intracellular molecular pathways that lead to biological and functional outcomes. It appears that a thorough application of standardized protocols is the key to reliable data acquisition and interpretation that could contribute a clearer picture for scientists and lay public. Moreover, specific tuning of experimental and clinical RF exposure might lead to beneficial health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gherardini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Siena, Strada Petriccio e Belriguardo, Siena 53100, Italy.
| | - Gastone Ciuti
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pisa 56025, Italy.
| | - Selene Tognarelli
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pisa 56025, Italy.
| | - Caterina Cinti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Siena, Strada Petriccio e Belriguardo, Siena 53100, Italy.
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