Mobile phones - influence on auditory and vestibular systems - literature review

Sep 8, 2026

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Literature review examining telecommunications radiofrequency emitted by mobile phones and its potential impact on auditory and vestibular systems. The review synthesizes systematic-review methods using Lilacs and Medline indexed papers from 2000–2005 plus relevant internet materials. Findings summarize controversy on acoustic neuroma risk, while acute exposure effects on cochlear outer hair cells, cochlear nerve electrical properties, and human vestibular physiology show no supportive evidence. Electromagnetic interference is highlighted for analog hearing aids.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Review of the Literature

Biological effects of radiofrequency/microwaves

Summary and Conclusions

Mobile phones: influence on auditory and vestibular systems Aracy Pereira Silveira Balbani 1, Jair Cortez Montovani 2 Keywords: hearing, microwaves, radio waves, cellular phone. Summary Telecommunications systems emit radiofrequency, which is an invisible electromagnetic radiation. Mobile phones operate with microwaves (450900 MHz in the analog service, and 1,82,2 GHz in the digital service) very close to the user’sear. The skin, inner ear, cochlear nerve and the temporal lobe surface absorb the radiofrequency energy. Aim: literature review on the influence of cellular phones on hearing and balance. Study design: systematic review. Methods: Wereviewed papers on the influence of mobile phones on auditory and vestibular systems from Lilacs and Medline databases, published from 2000 to 2005, and also materials available in the Internet. Results: Studies concerning mobile phone radiation and risk of developing an acoustic neuroma have controversial results. Some authors did not see evidences of a higher risk of tumor development in mobile phone users, while others report that usage of analog cellular phones for ten or more years increase the risk of developing the tumor. Acute exposure to mobile phone microwaves do not influence the cochlear outer hair cells function in vivo and in vitro, the cochlear nerve electrical properties nor the vestibular system physiology in humans. Analog hearing aids are more susceptible to the electromagnetic interference caused by digital mobile phones. Conclusion: there is no evidence ofcochleo-vestibular lesion caused by cellular phones 1 PhD, Voluntary Adjunct Professor, Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Discipline, Botucatu Medical School (UNESP) . 2 Associate Professor (livre-docente habilitation), Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Discipline. Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Discipline, Botucatu Medical School (UNESP) . Address for correspondence: Dra. Aracy P. S. Balbani-Rua Capitao Lisboa 715 cj. 33 Tatui SP 18270-070. Tel./fax: (0xx15) 3259-1152-E-mail: [a_balbani@hotmail.com](a_balbani@hotmail.com) Paper submitted to the ABORL-CCF SGP (Management Publications System) on May 5th, 2006 and accepted for publication on April 5th, 2007. cod. 1899. INTRODUCTION Telecom systems - radio, television, wireless telephones, mobile phones, pagers, radars and satellites-emit invisible electromagnetic radiation or radiofrequency (RF) . The radiation spectrum includes microwaves (frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHZ) and reaches close to infrared radiation.1,2 (Figure 1) RF is also used daily in microwave ovens and diathermy medical devices (thermoablation); the latter are used in treating cardiac arrhythmias, tumors and other conditions.3,4 Since the 1970s, the World Health Organization, governments of various countries, researchers, and manufacturers of telecom equipment have studied the effects of RF on human health. The large number of radio transmitters and telecom antennae installed close to residential areas and the growing use of mobile phones justify these efforts.5 Based on these studies, regulations have defined tolerance levels for human exposure to electromagnetic radiation, which technical committees review periodically.1,5 Figure 1. Electromagnetic radiation frequency spectrum. There are still, however, concerns about the possibility of lymphatic cancer, central nervous system tumors (including acoustic neuromas), choroidal melanomas, and other conditions in subjects chronically exposed to RF, which have motivated epidemiological and experimental studies.5-8 One of the most frequently discussed themes currently is the effect of mobile phone use on human health, given that these devices transmit microwaves (450-900 MHz in analog systems, and 1.8-2.2 GHz in digital systems)5 very close to a user’s heads, specifically to the ear. Brazil currently has about 90 million mobile phone users.1 This review presents themes of interes

FAQs

What type of radiation do mobile phones emit and how does it interact with the body?

Mobile phones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, operating with microwaves very close to the user’s head. Absorption by the skin, inner ear structures, and related neural pathways can occur.

What did the literature review conclude about the relationship between mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma risk?

Results are controversial. Some studies report no evidence of higher tumor risk, while others associate long-term use of analog cellular phones with increased risk after ten or more years.

Did acute exposure to mobile phone microwaves show effects on auditory and vestibular function?

The review reports that acute exposure does not influence cochlear outer hair cell function in vivo and in vitro, cochlear nerve electrical properties, or vestibular system physiology in humans.

Sep 8, 2026

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