ID Number		2269
Study Type		Human / Provocation
Model		Prospective study: Measurement of hearing thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions in volunteers using Bluetooth headset.
Details		AUTHORS' ABSTRACT: Balachandran et al. 2012 (IEEE #5160): 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. Design: Prospective study. Materials and 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. Conclusion: Exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted by a Bluetooth headset, as described above, did not decrease hearing thresholds or alter distortion product otoacoustic emissions.
Findings		No Effects
Status		Completed With Publication
Principal Investigator		University of Malaya
Funding Agency		(vacant)
Country		MALASIA
References		Balachandran, R et al. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology., (2012) 126:345-348
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