You don't have to look far to find someone chatting on a cell phone.
But a new study suggests long term use of cell phones may cause hearing loss.
"We should educate our public that they should try to use phones only when absolutely necessary," says principal investigator Dr. Naresh Panda.
The research looked at 100 young cell phone users and found those who used their phones more than 60 minutes a day for more than four years had noticeable hearing impairments.
"They had high frequency loss which was more than people who were using (cell phones) for between one to two years," says Panda.
The study also found that people who experienced warning signs like:
- Feelings warmth in the ear after a cell conversation.
- A sense of fullness in the ear.
- Ringing in the ear.
Those with symptoms were more likely to suffer hearing loss.
"The speculation is whether microwaves emitted by cell phones could actually be damaging the nerves either in the inner ear or the nerves behind that," says Otolaryngologist Dr. Brian Westerberg.
But other experts think high volume may be the issue.
"That is the reason any phone use can be potentially more damaging than face-to-face, even though it doesn't sound any louder than face-to-face," says Dr. Panda.
Whatever the cause, there are simple steps you can take to protect your hearing including:
- Minimize the use of your cell phone.
- Using a hands-free handset.
- Turning down the volume on your phone.
- Frequently switching ears when you're talking.
While these findings about cell phones and hearing are intriguing, they are still far from conclusive.
"I don't think everyone should go out and sell their cell phone on eBay," says Dr. Westerberg.
"I don't think we're proven yet that cell phones are a problem, or that they're safe for that matter."
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low.
