Human auditory system response to modulated electromagnetic energy

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 μw/cm2. The evidence for the various possible sites of the electromagnetic energy sensor are discussed and locations peripheral to the cochlea are ruled out.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Using low average power densities of electromagnetic energy, perception of sounds was induced in normal and deaf humans. The effect occurred immediately when the transmitter was turned on at distances of several hundred feet from the antenna and depended on carrier frequency and modulation. With ~80 dB acoustic noise, a peak power density of ~275 mW/cm^2 was reported as needed to induce perception at carrier frequencies of 425 and 1,310 mc, while average power density could be as low as 400 μW/cm^2; peripheral locations to the cochlea were reported as ruled out as sensor sites.

Outcomes measured

• Perception of sounds induced by electromagnetic energy (auditory perception)

Limitations

• Sample size not reported in abstract
• Study design and exposure measurement methods not described in abstract beyond reported power densities and frequencies
• No quantitative statistics or uncertainty estimates reported in abstract

{
    "study_type": "other",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "antenna/transmitter",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Normal and deaf humans",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Perception of sounds induced by electromagnetic energy (auditory perception)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Using low average power densities of electromagnetic energy, perception of sounds was induced in normal and deaf humans. The effect occurred immediately when the transmitter was turned on at distances of several hundred feet from the antenna and depended on carrier frequency and modulation. With ~80 dB acoustic noise, a peak power density of ~275 mW/cm^2 was reported as needed to induce perception at carrier frequencies of 425 and 1,310 mc, while average power density could be as low as 400 μW/cm^2; peripheral locations to the cochlea were reported as ruled out as sensor sites.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not reported in abstract",
        "Study design and exposure measurement methods not described in abstract beyond reported power densities and frequencies",
        "No quantitative statistics or uncertainty estimates reported in abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "RF",
        "microwave auditory effect",
        "Frey effect",
        "auditory perception",
        "modulation",
        "carrier frequency",
        "power density",
        "human study"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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