Desk Report:These days, the use of wireless earbuds has become quite popular. It is hassle-free to keep two earbuds in each ear. But do these Bluetooth earbuds cause brain damage? If so, how much? Is there a risk of cancer from the radiation emitted from Bluetooth?
Recently, some videos on TikTok have sparked such a debate about the use of Bluetooth earbuds. The video is titled, ‘Why should you throw away your earpods right now?’ It says that the waves emitted from Bluetooth earbuds are damaging the brain.
Similar alarming videos are also appearing on other social media platforms. They say that Bluetooth earbuds cause various health problems including brain cancer, memory loss, and mental fatigue.
Some media outlets have even removed these videos. They say that the videos are spreading health misinformation. But are the claims in the videos completely baseless? How can you tell? Is it right to take such a big risk just to take advantage of these wireless earbuds? Especially where diseases like cancer are being discussed?
It is difficult to answer with absolute certainty whether Bluetooth earbuds cause cancer. There is also uncertainty about how accurate the answer is. Earbuds are quite popular worldwide and are a relatively new technology. While wireless technology has been around since the 1990s, earbuds have only been around for a few years. In such a short time, scientists and experts are still not fully aware of the long-term consequences of their use.
“I often hear a concern from my patients that their cell phones or earbuds are causing brain cancer,” says Dr. Navid Wagle, a neuro-cancer specialist. “The short answer is, it’s probably not the only cause.”
“We don’t have enough data right now to give a definitive answer or say whether they play a role,” adds Dr. Navid.
Wireless earbuds and cancer risk
Let’s start with a little physics lesson. Wireless devices use Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth connects two devices that are located at a short distance. For example, from our phone to headphones or earphones.
According to the Institute of Physics in the UK, Bluetooth emits very little radiation in the form of very high wavelength radio waves. Its wave range is only 2.402 to 2.48 GHz. In fact, wireless earbuds emit less waves than mobile phones. A research paper published in the Environment Journal in 2019 said that wireless earphones emit 10 to 400 times less waves than smartphones.
In fact, we are constantly exposed to small amounts of such radiation. It comes from computers or from the sun. So does any of it emit waves that cause cancer?
There is some evidence that low levels of radio frequency radiation, such as from earbuds, can cause cancer in mice. A study conducted on mice published in the National Journal of Toxicology in 2020 found that radio frequency radiation caused some malignant tumors in the heart, brain, and adrenal glands. However, studies conducted on humans have not confirmed this.
Know the risks
Dr. Navid Wagle says that a low risk of cancer does not mean that the risk is completely absent. It can vary from person to person. The amount of radiation your wireless device emits depends on how long you use your earbuds and phone. Where these devices are located on your body. In addition, your risk of cancer depends on your family history, weight, diet, illness, etc.
Other problems caused by earbuds
Using earbuds may not cause cancer, but that doesn’t mean that other diseases don’t occur. An audiologist named Bria Collins says that the following problems can be caused by earbuds.
1. Hearing loss
When you are using earbuds, the sound is being produced very close to the eardrum. It is producing a louder sound than necessary. Therefore, using earbuds for a long time can cause hearing loss.
2. Hearing a ringing sound in the ears
Using earbuds can cause problems like hearing a ringing sound in your ears. It may feel like something is constantly ringing in your ears.
3. Earwax buildup
Earwax buildup depends on the size of your ear canal and how big or small the earbuds you are using. Earwax buildup can cause problems like pressure, pain, or reduced hearing.
4. Ear Infection
Repeatedly inserting earbuds can introduce germs into the ear. These germs spread easily in the moist and warm environment inside the ear and become infected. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use one person’s earbuds with another.
5. Earache
If your earbuds are too big or they don’t fit your ears properly, it can cause earache. This can cause discomfort in your ears. Sometimes, your ears can also blister.
What is the solution?
If using earbuds is so inconvenient, should you give them up? If not, what is the solution? Experts say that for now there is only one solution. That is, use earbuds only as long as necessary. When not needed, you should take them off. When you are finished talking or listening to music, you should not put the earbuds in your ears.
Collins’ 60/60 rule
Hearing expert Bria Collins has given a 60/60 rule regarding the use of earbuds. She says, use earbuds for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time. Take a break of at least 60 minutes before using them again. And use them at a maximum of 60 percent of their volume limit. So you can use earbuds. But of course, understand. Dr. Wagle and Collins say that they also use earbuds, but use them in moderation.
