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Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation.

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Medeiros LN, Sanchez TG. · 2016

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Cell phone radiation can penetrate ear tissues and may trigger or worsen tinnitus, especially in electromagnetically sensitive individuals.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Brazilian researchers reviewed 165 studies to examine whether cell phone radiation might cause or worsen tinnitus (ringing in the ears). They found that radiofrequency radiation from phones can penetrate ear tissues and cause biological effects, with some people being more sensitive to electromagnetic exposure. The review concluded there's reasonable evidence to suggest caution when using mobile phones to prevent hearing damage and tinnitus.

Why This Matters

This comprehensive review adds important weight to concerns about cell phone radiation affecting our auditory system. What makes this research particularly significant is that it connects two well-documented phenomena: the proven ability of radiofrequency radiation to penetrate tissues and cause biological effects, and the clinical observation that some tinnitus patients report their symptoms worsen with heavy phone use on the same ear. The science demonstrates that electromagnetic hypersensitivity and tinnitus may share common biological pathways, suggesting the effects aren't just coincidental. Put simply, your daily phone habits could be affecting your hearing health in ways we're only beginning to understand.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

The aim of this study was to evaluate the available evidence about the possible causal association between tinnitus and exposure to electromagnetic waves.

A literature review was performed searching for the following keywords: tinnitus, electromagnetic fi...

EMRFR can penetrate exposed tissues and safety exposure levels have been established. These waves pr...

There are already reasonable evidences to suggest caution for using mobile phones to prevent auditory damage and the onset or worsening of tinnitus.

Cite This Study
Medeiros LN, Sanchez TG. (2016). Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation. Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 82(1):97-104.January–February 2016. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.04.013.
Show BibTeX
@article{ln_2016_tinnitus_and_cell_phones_2721,
  author = {Medeiros LN and Sanchez TG.},
  title = {Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation.},
  year = {2016},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26602000/},
}
PubMed: 26602000

Cited By (18 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, radiofrequency radiation from cell phones can penetrate ear tissues and cause biological effects that may trigger or worsen tinnitus. A 2016 Brazilian review of 165 studies found reasonable evidence suggesting caution when using mobile phones to prevent hearing damage and tinnitus onset.
Yes, some individuals show greater electromagnetic sensitivity (electrosensitivity) and experience symptoms earlier than others. The 2016 Medeiros and Sanchez review found that people with electrosensitivity may share common pathophysiology with tinnitus sufferers, making them more vulnerable to cell phone radiation effects.
Yes, electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation from cell phones produces proven thermogenic (heat-generating) effects in exposed tissues. The 2016 Brazilian research review confirmed these heating effects occur alongside potential biological and genotoxic effects when radiation penetrates ear tissues during phone use.
Cell phone radiation can cause biological and potentially genotoxic effects in ear tissues, beyond just heating. The 2016 review of 165 studies by Brazilian researchers found that radiofrequency waves penetrate exposed tissues and may trigger or worsen tinnitus through various biological mechanisms.
Yes, people with tinnitus should consider limiting cell phone use near their ears. The 2016 Brazilian review concluded there's reasonable evidence to suggest caution when using mobile phones to prevent both auditory damage and the onset or worsening of existing tinnitus symptoms.