A cross-sectional analysis to study the effects of mobile use on brainstem auditory response in young healthy male adults

Abstract

Background: The intensive use of mobile phones has given rise to adverse effects concerning the potential influences of electromagnetic fields on human health. The ear, being the closest, is the direct recipient of electromagnetic radiation, thus making it the most likely affected organ. The present study assessed the effects of mobile usage on brainstem auditory responses in young healthy male adults using brainstem-evoked response audiometry. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of long-term repeated exposure to mobile phones on the hearing of young healthy male adults by assessing and comparing absolute wave latencies and interpeak latencies (IPLs) of brainstem auditory responses. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted using the RMS EMG SALUS 2C machine in the Physiology Department of SMS Medical College, Jaipur. This was an analytical type of observational study design incorporating a total of 70 young healthy male adults from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, in which Group I was using mobile for >2 h/day for the duration of >1 year and <5 years and Group II was using mobile for >2 h/day for the duration of more than 5 years. Results: The IPL I–III and I–V of the right ear of Group II was significantly prolonged (P < 0.05) compared to IPL I–III and I–V of the right ear of Group I. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant prolongation of IPLs in the right ear of Group II mobile users associated with duration of usage.