Mobile phone users increase risk of hearing loss by 50%, says new research

New research has suggested that mobile phones could dramatically increase the risk of hearing loss.

In the past decade, mobile phones have been linked to a variety of health conditions such as cancer and hormonal imbalance, but doctors from India have now suggested that around 50 per cent of hearing loss cases have been down to the nifty devices.

Doctors from the region have suggested that patients have suffered from ear pain and even hearing loss when they use mobile phones too much. According to the Times of India, Dr Divya Prabhat, ENT surgeon, said: "The most common complaint is that after they hang up, the ears get hot. Many patients come with complaints of tinnitus, where there is a buzzing in the ears. This also results in irritability and lack of concentration."

Mr Pabhat went on to state that even if you change the ear that you use your phone with, it will mean that you are putting both of your ears at risk. If you change your habit and use your phone less, there will be threshold shifts allowing the problem to be slightly reversed. However, if it is not signposted early, then the individual may suffer from permanent loss of hearing.

Mobile phones have been linked to cancer and chemical imbalance in the brain. Separate research has associated electromagnetic rays with neuro-endocrine disruption, meaning that mobile culture is being linked to blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and even sleep patterns. Specifically, the hormones endocrine and melatonine are affected, meaning that stress levels and anxiety may soon be a consequence of using your mobile too much.

Like all things, a mobile should be used in moderation. You can reduce the amount you are speaking on your mobile by choosing to text or use a landline when possible.