Human auditory system response to modulated electromagnetic energy

J. Appl. Physiol. · 1962 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 6796

Study snapshot

PublicationJ. Appl. Physiol. · 1962

Study typeother

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

The intent of this paper is to bring a new phenomenon to the attention of physiologists. Using extremely low average power densities of electromagnetic energy, the perception of sounds was induced in normal and deaf humans. The effect was induced several hundred feet from the antenna the instant the transmitter was turned on, and is a function of carrier frequency and modulation. Attempts were made to match the sounds induced by electromagnetic energy and acoustic energy. The closest match occurred when the acoustic amplifier was driven by the rf transmitter’s modulator. Peak power density is a critical factor and, with acoustic noise of approximately 80 db, a peak power density of approximately 275 mw/cm2 is needed to induce the perception at carrier frequencies of 425 mc and 1,310 mc. The average power density can be at least as low as 400 pw/cm2. The evidence for the various possible sites of the electromagnetic energy sensor are discussed and locations peripheral to the cochlea are ruled out.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeother

Effect directionmixed

Populationnormal and deaf humans

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 425 MHz

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 88% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

The paper reports that modulated RF electromagnetic energy induced perception of sounds in normal and deaf humans at distances of several hundred feet from the antenna when the transmitter was turned on. The effect depended on carrier frequency, modulation, and peak power density; under approximately 80 dB acoustic noise, a peak power density of about 275 mW/cm2 was needed at carrier frequencies of 425 and 1,310 MHz, while average power density could be as low as 400 pW/cm2.

Outcomes measured

perception of sounds induced by modulated electromagnetic energy
dependence on carrier frequency and modulation
peak power density threshold for auditory perception
comparison of induced sounds with acoustic matching
discussion of possible site of electromagnetic energy sensor

Limitations

Sample size not stated in the abstract
Exposure details are incomplete beyond selected carrier frequencies and power densities
Abstract describes a phenomenon and discussion of mechanism rather than a controlled health outcome study

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "other",
    "frequency_mhz": 425,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "normal and deaf humans",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "perception of sounds induced by modulated electromagnetic energy",
    "dependence on carrier frequency and modulation",
    "peak power density threshold for auditory perception",
    "comparison of induced sounds with acoustic matching",
    "discussion of possible site of electromagnetic energy sensor"
  ],
  "main_findings": "The paper reports that modulated RF electromagnetic energy induced perception of sounds in normal and deaf humans at distances of several hundred feet from the antenna when the transmitter was turned on. The effect depended on carrier frequency, modulation, and peak power density; under approximately 80 dB acoustic noise, a peak power density of about 275 mW/cm2 was needed at carrier frequencies of 425 and 1,310 MHz, while average power density could be as low as 400 pW/cm2.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not stated in the abstract",
    "Exposure details are incomplete beyond selected carrier frequencies and power densities",
    "Abstract describes a phenomenon and discussion of mechanism rather than a controlled health outcome study"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.88,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "RF",
    "microwave auditory effect",
    "modulation",
    "carrier frequency",
    "power density",
    "hearing",
    "humans",
    "deaf humans"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: Not supplied
PubMed: Not supplied

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