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Mobile phone related-hazards and subjective hearing and vision symptoms in the Saudi population

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Meo SA, Al-Drees AM · 2005

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Over one-third of mobile phone users in this Saudi study reported hearing problems, suggesting widespread symptomatic effects from phone use.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Saudi researchers surveyed 873 mobile phone users to investigate whether phone use was linked to hearing and vision problems. They found that over one-third (34.59%) of users reported hearing-related issues like impaired hearing, ear pain, or warmth in the ear, while 5% experienced vision problems like blurred or decreased vision. The study suggests that mobile phone use may be a health risk factor that requires greater public awareness.

Why This Matters

This early survey research from 2005 provides important real-world evidence of symptoms people experience from mobile phone use. While the study didn't measure specific radiation levels, it captured what hundreds of users were actually experiencing in their daily lives. The finding that more than one in three users reported hearing problems is particularly significant because it aligns with laboratory studies showing that radiofrequency radiation can affect auditory function. What makes this research valuable is its focus on subjective symptoms that people notice themselves, rather than just biological markers that require laboratory testing. The reality is that many users do report these types of symptoms, and this study helps validate those experiences with systematic data collection from a large population.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

the present study was designed to investigate a link between the use of mobile phones and hearing and vision symptoms in the Saudi population and also to contribute to the increase in social awareness of health problems associated with the use of these devices.

A total of 873 (57.04% of males and 39.86% of females) subjects using mobile phones were invited to ...

The present study showed an association between the use of mobile phones and hearing and vision comp...

It is concluded that the use of mobile phone is a health risk factor, and thus it is suggested that excessive use of mobile phones should be avoided and social awareness increased through health promotion activities, such as group discussions or public presentations and via electronic and printed media sources.

Cite This Study
Meo SA, Al-Drees AM (2005). Mobile phone related-hazards and subjective hearing and vision symptoms in the Saudi population Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 18(1):53-57, 2005 .
Show BibTeX
@article{sa_2005_mobile_phone_relatedhazards_and_2421,
  author = {Meo SA and Al-Drees AM},
  title = {Mobile phone related-hazards and subjective hearing and vision symptoms in the Saudi population},
  year = {2005},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16052891/},
}
PubMed: 16052891

Cited By (74 papers)

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Quick Questions About This Study

A 2005 Saudi study of 873 mobile phone users found that over one-third (34.59%) reported hearing-related issues including impaired hearing, ear pain, and warmth in the ear. The researchers concluded mobile phone use represents a health risk factor requiring greater public awareness.
Research from Saudi Arabia found that 5% of mobile phone users experienced vision problems including blurred or decreased vision. The study of 873 participants suggests an association between phone use and both hearing and vision complaints, warranting increased social awareness.
A Saudi study found that 34.59% of mobile phone users reported hearing-related problems including ear warmth sensations, along with impaired hearing and ear pain. This research suggests mobile phone use may be a significant health risk factor requiring public attention.
Saudi researchers studying 873 mobile phone users concluded that excessive use should be avoided due to associated hearing and vision problems. They recommend increased social awareness through health promotion activities, group discussions, and media campaigns to address these health risks.
A 2005 study of 873 Saudi mobile phone users found hearing complaints in over one-third of participants (34.59%). These included impaired hearing, ear ache, and ear warmth, leading researchers to classify mobile phone use as a health risk factor.