A study on the effect of prolonged mobile phone use on pure tone audiometry thresholds of medical students of Sikkim

Abstract

Overview

INTRODUCTION: Mobile phones have become indispensable for daily activities, and people are exposed to them from an early age. There is, however, concern about the harmful effect of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the mobile phones.

Objective & Methodology

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of mobile phone use on average pure tone audiometry (PTA) thresholds and to assess changes in high-frequency thresholds among medical students with prolonged mobile phone exposure.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students who have been using mobile phones for at least five years, focusing on the PTA threshold differences between the exposed and non-exposed ears.

Findings

• The study reports significant differences in air and bone conduction hearing thresholds between the exposed and nonexposed ears (P < 0.05).
• A significant increase in both air conduction and bone conduction thresholds at individual frequencies was noted between the exposed and nonexposed ears.

Conclusion

The research demonstrated changes in hearing thresholds in the exposed ear compared to the nonexposed ear, highlighting potential risks of prolonged mobile phone use. The study suggests limiting mobile phone usage duration until more definitive evidence is available.