11. What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radiofrequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some electronic
devices. For this reason, FDA helped develop a detailed test method to measure
electromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers and
defibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of a standard
sponsored by the Association for the
Advancement of Medical instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by
FDA, medical device manufacturers, and many other groups, was completed in late
2000. This standard will allow manufacturers to ensure that cardiac pacemakers
and defibrillators are safe from wireless phone EMI. FDA has tested hearing aids
for interference from handheld wireless phones and helped develop a voluntary
standard sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This
standard specifies test methods and performance requirements for hearing aids and
wireless phones so that that no interference occurs when a person uses a “compat-
ible” phone and a “compatible” hearing aid at the same time. This standard was
approved by the IEEE in 2000. FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless phones
for possible interactions with other medical devices. Should harmful interference
be found to occur, FDA will conduct testing to assess the interference and work to
resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
•
FDA web page on wireless phones
(
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/phones/index.html
)
•
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program
(
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety
)
•
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
(
http://www.icnirp.de
)
•
World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF Project
(
http://www.who.int/emf
)
•
National Radiological Protection Board (UK) (
http://www.nrpb.org.uk/
)
AVOID POTENTIAL HEARING LOSS.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (including music) is the most common cause
of preventable hearing loss. Some scientific research suggests that using portable
audio devices, such as portable music players and cellular telephones, at high
volume settings for long durations may lead to permanent noise-induced
hearing loss. This includes the use of headphones (including headsets, earbuds and
Bluetooth® or other wireless devices). Exposure to very loud sound has also been
associated in some studies with tinnitus (a ringing in the ear), hypersensitivity to
sound and distorted hearing. Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss
and other potential hearing problems varies.
The amount of sound produced by a portable audio device varies depending on
the nature of the sound, the device, the device settings and the headphones. You
should follow some commonsense recommendations when using any portable
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audio device:
•
Set the volume in a quiet environment and select the lowest volume at which you
can hear adequately.
•
When using headphones, turn the volume down if you cannot hear the people
speaking near you or if the person sitting next to you can hear what you are
listening to.
•
Do not turn the volume up to block out noisy surroundings. If you choose to listen
to your portable device in a noisy environment, use noise-cancelling headphones
to block out background environmental noise.
•
Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less time is required
before your hearing could be affected.
•
Avoid using headphones after exposure to extremely loud noises, such as rock
concerts, that might cause temporary hearing loss. Temporary hearing loss might
cause unsafe volumes to sound normal.
•
Do not listen at any volume that causes you discomfort. If you experience ringing
in your ears, hear muffled speech or experience any temporary hearing difficulty
after listening to your portable audio device, discontinue use and consult your
doctor.
YOU CAN OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT FROM
THE FOLLOWING SOURCES:
American Academy of Audiology
11730 Plaza American Drive, Suite 300
Reston, VA 20190
Voice: (800) 222-2336
Email: [email protected]
Internet:
www.audiology.org
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive, MSC 2320
Bethesda, MD USA 20892-2320
Voice: (301) 496-7243
Email: [email protected]
Internet:
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Hubert H. Humphrey Bldg.
200 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20201
Voice: 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)
Internet:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html
©2008 Verizon Wireless. All Rights Reserved.
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