Sunday, November 16, 2014

Tinnitus: Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Definition:
Bluetooth hearing aids are also known as bineural hearing aids. They shall be referred to as such throughout this article. These hearing aids are different than the ones that where being used just a year or so ago. They are a major leap in technology. Bineural hearing aids interact with cellular phones using bluetooth technology. When I asked an audiologist about how these wireless hearing aids work she replied, "They talk to each other and to the cellphone. You can control the hearing aids from the cellphone."

Implications:
Let's pause and really consider the implications: The hearing aid is sending a signal through the brain that reaches the other hearing aid and both in turn communicate with the cellphone. The problem lies in the fact that most of these hearing aids, if not all of them, are operating at 2.45GHz which is also known as 2450MHz.  This is the same frequency as your microwave oven. Therefore, neurological changes could occur as a result of using bineural hearing aids. In the past, in various studies on rats, monkeys, mice, and rabbits some ivy league scientists noted harmful brain responses to 2.45GHz.

Testing:
I've personally tested some of these hearing aids using a plasma ball (similar to how the brain works). I placed one hearing aid on each side of the ball and I watched a blue plasma bridge form from one hearing aid to the other across the interior of the plasma ball. The bridge remained until one hearing aid was removed. Therefore, it is entirely feasible that the plasma bridge would cause neurons to tighten and for some neurons to die. In the worst case scenario, I suspect that lymphocyte cells would begin to attack the unrecognized neurons thinking they are foreign bodies in need of removal.

Symptoms:
If you are using bineural hearing aids and you've noticed an increase in your tinnitus or other neurological abnormalities then you should consult your doctor immediately. While the physical damage may occur immediately, the symptoms of the damage may take years to present. When in doubt...opt out. Ask for the older hearing aids that do not "talk to each other". Ask for hearing aids that are not in the 2.45GHz range.

Recommendation:
Starkey still makes some nonbineural hearing aids. Sadly, Resound is phasing out all nonbineural hearing aids. I like Resound. I wish they'd leave us all an option, especially since the World Health Organization has approved Electromagnetic Sensitivity as a genuine medical condition.

FCC:
One of the greatest deceptions that I have ever seen is a (not-to-be-named) company stated that their bineural hearing aids are certified for use by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). By stating this they are giving their customers a false sense of safety. The FCC does not determine whether the product is biologically safe to use.

The FCC determines that the product does not interfere with other communications sources that are operating near or in that frequency range. In other words, the FCC is saying, "This will not interfere with aircraft, military, radio, or other communications systems. Therefore it is okay to sell." There is no regulating agency that oversees the biological safety of human beings in relation to wireless transmissions.

Take Charge:
As a customer, you have to make the call for yourself. You have to take charge of the management of your condition and protect yourself as you deem appropriate. Take a stand. You have a choice.