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Low frequency electromagnetic radiation and hearing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 July 2009

J Morales ,
M Garcia ,
C Perez ,
J V Valverde ,
C Lopez-Sanchez ,
V Garcia-Martinez  and
J L Quesada
J Morales*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
M Garcia
Affiliation:
Department of Electronics, Electric and Automatic Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
C Perez
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
J V Valverde
Affiliation:
Department of Electronics, Electric and Automatic Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
C Lopez-Sanchez
Affiliation:
Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
V Garcia-Martinez
Affiliation:
Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
J L Quesada
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Spain
*
Address for correspondence: Prof J Morales, Dept Otorrinolaringologia, Facultad de Medicina, PO Box 108, 06080 Badajoz, Spain. Fax: 34 924 276350 E-mail: jmorales@unex.es
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Abstract

Objective:

To analyse the possible impact of low and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on the outer hairs cells of the organ of Corti, in a guinea pig model.

Materials and methods:

Electromagnetic fields of 50, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 5000 Hz frequencies and 1.5 µT intensity were generated using a transverse electromagnetic wave guide. Guinea pigs of both sexes, weighing 100–150 g, were used, with no abnormalities on general and otic examination. Total exposure times were: 360 hours for 50, 500 and 1000 Hz; 3300 hours for 2000 Hz; 4820 hours for 4000 Hz; and 6420 hours for 5000 Hz. One control animal was used in each frequency group. The parameters measured by electric response audiometer included: hearing level; waves I–IV latencies; wave I–III interpeak latency; and percentage appearance of waves I–III at 90 and 50 dB sound pressure level intensity.

Results:

Values for the above parameters did not differ significantly, comparing the control animal and the rest of each group. In addition, no significant differences were found between our findings and those of previous studies of normal guinea pigs.

Conclusion:

Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields of 50 Hz to 5 KHz frequencies and 1.5 µT intensity, produced no functional or morphological alteration in the outer hair cells of the guinea pig organ of Corti.

Keywords

Inner EarCochleaElectromagnetic RadiationGuinea Pig
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 11 , November 2009 , pp. 1204 - 1211
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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