Auditory system response to radio frequency energy

Abstract

Classically, the auditory and visual systems have been distinguished in part by the "fact" that the two systems respond to different types of energy, acoustic and electromagnetic, respectively. Our Laboratory, however, has obtained data which suggests that this fact may not be correct. Our data to date indicate that the human auditory system can respond to electromagnetic energy in at least a portion of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. Further, this response is instantaneous and occurs at low power densities, densities which are well below that necessary for biological damage. For example, the effect has been induced with power densities 1/160 of the standard maximum safe level for continuous exposure. We have been collecting two lines of data on this effect in human subjects. One approach involves finding people who believe they have experienced this effect, interviewing them, evaluating their reports, and collating this information about a variety of RF transmitters. The other line of data collection involves direct experimentation and is summarized in this paper. In our experiments to date we have used two transmitters. It should be noted that the auditory system responds to frequencies at least as low as 200 megacycles and at least as high as 3000 megacycles. In other words, transmitters broadcasting in P, L, and S bands have elicited responses. The response of the auditory system to irradiation with transmitters A and B results in the subject reporting that he hears a buzzing sound.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

The paper reports experimental and interview-based data suggesting that human subjects can perceive RF energy as an auditory response. Responses were reported for frequencies at least as low as 200 MHz and at least as high as 3000 MHz, with subjects describing a buzzing sound at power densities stated to be below levels considered necessary for biological damage.

Outcomes measured

• Auditory perception/response to RF exposure
• Reported hearing of a buzzing sound during irradiation

Limitations

• Sample size not stated
• Exposure details are limited
• Findings are described partly from interviews/self-reports
• Abstract does not report quantitative effect estimates
• Study design is not clearly specified

{
    "study_type": "other",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "other",
        "frequency_mhz": 200,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Human subjects",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Auditory perception/response to RF exposure",
        "Reported hearing of a buzzing sound during irradiation"
    ],
    "main_findings": "The paper reports experimental and interview-based data suggesting that human subjects can perceive RF energy as an auditory response. Responses were reported for frequencies at least as low as 200 MHz and at least as high as 3000 MHz, with subjects describing a buzzing sound at power densities stated to be below levels considered necessary for biological damage.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not stated",
        "Exposure details are limited",
        "Findings are described partly from interviews/self-reports",
        "Abstract does not report quantitative effect estimates",
        "Study design is not clearly specified"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "very_low",
    "confidence": 0.79000000000000003552713678800500929355621337890625,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "RF",
        "radio frequency",
        "auditory response",
        "microwave hearing",
        "human subjects",
        "buzzing sound",
        "200 MHz",
        "3000 MHz"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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