Abstract

Overview

Tinnitus, often described as the perception of sound without an external source, is investigated in the context of mobile phone usage.

Findings

• The study utilized a meta-analytical method, incorporating eight related studies and selecting six high-quality ones for detailed analysis.
• Exposure to mobile phones was categorized and assessed differently across the studies, ranging from network operator data to self-reported data.
• No significant increase in tinnitus risk was found among those with high mobile phone use compared to those with low use, especially in studies using network operator data (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.03 [Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.93-1.15]).
• Self-reported data also showed no definitive link between mobile phone exposure and tinnitus (OR ranging from 1.20 to 1.73, with Confidence Intervals spanning wide ranges).

Conclusion

Current high-quality studies do not support the hypothesis that mobile phone use is associated with an increased risk of tinnitus, suggesting that further research with more precise exposure assessments is necessary.