Mobile phones have become indispensable as communication tools; however,
to date there is only a limited knowledge about interaction between electromagnetic
fields (EMF) emitted by mobile phones and auditory function. Aim of the study: The
aim of the study was to assess changes in the auditory system of guinea pig animals
due to direct exposure to activated mobile phone waves using brain stem evoked
response audiometry (BERA) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). Material and
methods: This study is conducted on 60 guinea pig animals. Their outer and middle
ears were confirmed to be healthy by otomicroscopy. Divided into 4 groups each
group composed of 15 animals : Group A serving as control. Group B exposed to
activated mobiles by continuous calling and redialing from land phone while the
phone is in the silent mode , 3 hours/day for 15 days . Group C exposed for 30 days .
Group D exposed for 45 days . We developed a glass cage to accommodate the
animals and to fix the mobile phone Ericsson T18s with cover over the key pad over
the animal´s head. All animals are subjected to brain stem evoked response
audiometry (BERA) bilaterally at the start of the study then each group re-examined
every 2 week according to the duration of the study group. After last (BERA) 3
animals of the control group and 5 animals of each study group are sacrificed and
cochlea removed for examination using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Results : results of (BERA): Group B threshold was near group A control group
with no statistically significant differences p>0.05 . In group C threshold was higher
than groups A&B but this increase was non significant p>0.05. Group D there was
significant increase in threshold (p value |
