Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in rabbits med./bio.

By: Budak GG, Budak B, Ozturk GG, Muluk NB, Apan A, Seyhan N
Published in: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2009; 73 (3): 429-436
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To assess the effects of different electric fields on the auditory functions of rabbits.

Background/further details

20 female rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (each n=10) with electric fields of 5.068 kV/m (group 1) and 10.182 kV/m (group 2).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 3 h/day for 6 days and then for additional 8 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 3 h/day for 6 days and then for additional 8 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • 74 cm x 50 cm x 0.2 mm copper sheets on the upper and lower side of the cage
Setup 70 cm x 50 cm x 20 cm wooden cage with copper sheets on the upper and lower side; wooden block under the cage for insulation
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 5.068 kV/m - measured - -
electric field strength 10.182 kV/m - measured - -
magnetic flux density 0.00218 nT - measured - at 5.068 kV/m
magnetic flux density 0.00445 nT - measured - at 10.182 kV/m

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In both groups, the amplitudes recorded after day 6 and 14 of exposure were not different from the amplitudes before exposure, except for significant lower amplitudes in the right ear of group 1 at a click-stimulus of 1.5 kHz on day 6 compared to before exposure (this effect was transient). There were no significant differences between the transient evoked otoacoustic emissions amplitudes of the right and left ears of both groups after day 6 and 14 of exposure.
Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields have no significant effects on the auditory sensation (cochlear function) of rabbits.

Study character:

Study funded by

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