Approximately 90% of the population is right-handed, and this preference can extend to ear dominance as well. But does this mean we’re inadvertently putting ourself in harm’s way by increasing risk of brain damage?
The Brain-Ear Connection
Research has shown that the ear you use for phone calls can have a direct impact on your brain. When you use your right ear, the electromagnetic radiation from your phone is absorbed more directly by the brain’s right hemisphere. This absorption can lead to various concerns, including increased heat generation and potential damage to brain tissue.
The Radiation Risk
Mobile phones emit non-ionizing radiation, which, when absorbed by the body, can cause a rise in tissue temperature. While current safety standards suggest that this radiation is within safe limits, prolonged exposure could still pose risks. Using your right ear for phone calls might exacerbate these risks, as the radiation is more concentrated on one side of the brain.
The Cognitive Consequences
The potential consequences of concentrating mobile radiation on one side of your brain are not limited to physical health concerns. Some studies have suggested that this imbalance could affect cognitive functions, memory, and concentration. While research is ongoing, it’s essential to consider the possible implications for your long-term brain health.
Atlas Johnson, Geonode expert on Phone Safety, explains that mobile phones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), which several studies have linked to potential biological damage. Johnston comments:
Exposing the brain, especially the language-dominant left hemisphere, to the repeated radiation from mobile phones held to the right ear could have underlying neurotoxic effects.
Atlas Johnson, Geonode expert on Phone Safety
The potential dangers associated with extensive mobile phone usage include:
Tissue heating: Radiofrequency energy can heat body tissue, potentially damaging the delicate neural structures in close proximity to the phone.
Increased risk of tumours: Some studies suggest that RF-EMF exposure could increase the risk of developing brain tumours.
Cognitive decline: Prolonged RF-EMF exposure may also lead to subtle cognitive impairments such as decreased attention span and memory.
What Can You Do?
These potential effects do not mean we should abandon our phones entirely.
Here are the practical steps;
Alternate Ears: Break the dominance of the right ear by alternating between the right and left when answering calls.
Use Speakers or Earphones: A hands-free approach will help reduce direct exposure to RF-EMFs.
Reduce Call Duration: Keep your phone conversations short to reduce the overall radiation exposure.
Check Your Device’s SAR: Every mobile phone has a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value. Lower SAR values mean less RF-EMF exposure.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on emerging research about mobile phone radiation and brain health. Technology and safety standards are continually evolving.
A Call to Rethink Phone Habits
With our reliance on technology growing each day, understanding the potential health implications of our habits is more crucial than ever. The next time your phone rings, take a moment to think. You might just give your left ear the spotlight. In doing so, you not only breaking a habit but also, potentially, safeguarding your brain’s health.
Workplace Wellbeing Professional is an online magazine featuring news and analysis on a broad range of employee wellbeing topics, focused on a UK based audience.