Association between mobile phone use and hearing impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Mohammad Hosein Taziki Balajelini, Masoud Mohammadi, Abdolhalim Rajabi

Year: 2021 Jul 22

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Rev Environ Health

Institution: Rev Environ Health

DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0062

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34293837/

Abstract

Overview

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the potential association of mobile phone use with hearing impairment.

Methodology

Using the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, relevant literature was extensively searched through multiple databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, OVID, and Cochrane. Quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Robins-I tool, with two individual investigators reviewing all articles independently.

Findings

Inclusion of five studies: two cross-sectional and three cohort, involving 92,978 participants.
No significant association in cross-sectional studies (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.57-1.31) or cohort studies (OR=1.09, 95% CI=0.93-1.25).
The overall pooled odds ratio (OR) was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.94-1.20), suggesting no significant relationship between mobile phone use and hearing impairment.

Conclusion

While the analysis found no direct association between mobile phone use and hearing impairment, implications of these findings should be approached cautiously due to unexplored variables that could affect the results.

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