Electromagnetic interference of bone-anchored hearing aids by cellular phones revisited.
Kompis M, Hausler R. · 2002
View Original AbstractNewer bone-anchored hearing aids show improved resistance to cellular phone interference, with most users experiencing no disruption.
Plain English Summary
Researchers surveyed six users of BAHA Compact bone-anchored hearing aids to test whether cellular phones cause electromagnetic interference with these medical devices. Four patients experienced no interference at all, while two heard only quiet sounds when they personally used their phones. This suggests the newer BAHA Compact devices are well-protected against cellular phone interference.
Why This Matters
This study addresses a critical real-world concern for the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on bone-anchored hearing aids. What makes this research particularly valuable is that it examines actual user experiences rather than laboratory simulations. The finding that only two out of six users experienced any interference, and only during their own phone use, demonstrates meaningful progress in device shielding technology. However, the study's small sample size and lack of quantified exposure levels limit our ability to draw broader conclusions about EMF interference patterns. For hearing aid users, this research suggests that newer devices may offer better protection, but individual experiences can vary.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To compare the experience of patients using the BAHA Compact with those using a BAHA Classic 300 in an earlier study, a survey was performed.
Six users of a BAHA Compact who used digital cellular phones participated in the survey.
Four patients did not hear any noise associated with the use of a digital cellular phone. Two patien...
These findings confirm that the susceptibility to electromagnetic interference of the BAHA Compact device is low.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2002_electromagnetic_interference_of_boneanchored_2301,
author = {Kompis M and Hausler R.},
title = {Electromagnetic interference of bone-anchored hearing aids by cellular phones revisited.},
year = {2002},
doi = {10.1080/00016480260092318},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00016480260092318},
}