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.

Effects of Exposure to Microwaves: Problems and Perspectives

“…Frey (136,137) has reported that individuals can detect pulse-modulated electromagnetic energy at wavelengths of cm and at average power densities of 0.4 to 2.1 mW/cm2. The reported sensations were usually of an auditory nature and described as hissing, buzzing, or clicking sounds.…”

Auditory response to pulsed radiofrequency energy

“…Guy et al [1975] and Lin et al [1978Lin et al [ , 1979 showed that electrophysiological responses of the auditory pathway in cats to RF pulses is similar to the response to acoustic stimuli and, by studying the responses after lesions were made in successive parts of the auditory pathway, confirmed that the primary site of transduction of the RF energy was outside or at the cochlea. The detection of electric potentials in auditory neurons in response to RF exposure was expected based on the results of studies that demonstrated subjective auditory perception [Frey, 1962] and cochlear microphonics . Seaman [1990] described a model for thresholds of auditory neurons to RF pulses that was consistent with thresholds measured in the cat for 20-200 ms pulses.…”

“…The apparent location of the sound, which was described as a short distance behind the head, was the same regardless of the body's orientation to the radar [Frey, 1961]. In later reports [Frey, 1962[Frey, , 1963, RF hearing was described as a ''buzz, clicking, hiss, or knocking'' sound. Table 1 contains descriptions of these and other sounds reported by human beings exposed to pulsed RF fields.…”

“…Constant [1967] No auditory response (þear stopples) Frey [1962,1963] No auditory response Guy et al [1975] RF hearing: buzz small piece of metal screen (5 Â 5 cm) over this area completely stopped the sound [Frey, 1962]. The subjects in Frey [1961] reported an increase in the RF induced sound level when earplugs were used to reduce the ambient noise level, an observation confirmed by others .…”

System and algorithm for evaluation of human auditory analyzer state

“…It has been studied as a receiver and a source for sound and electromagnetic waves 1,2,3,4 . We suggest using pulse diagnostics in order to take into account the physiological background of auditory system functioning.…”