Why holding a phone to your ear is riskier than earbuds

Bluetooth earphones are a staple of modern life, yet persistent concerns regarding radiation and brain tumours often cause public anxiety.

Dr Rupa Juthani, a US-based neurosurgeon specialising in skull base tumours, is addressing these fears with updated clinical data.

She highlights, “As a brain tumour surgeon who specialises in tumours that grow in and around nerves such as the hearing nerve (vestibular schwannomas), pituitary tumours, and brain cancers, I follow the science when it comes to Bluetooth headphones. Here are a few facts and updated data to support.”

The primary distinction lies in the nature of the energy emitted. Dr Juthani explains, “Bluetooth devices emit non-ionising radiation. Unlike ionising radiation, this form of radiation does not cause the DNA damage which can lead to tumour formation.”

Furthermore, extensive research supports this safety profile. The neurosurgeon explains, “There is no evidence Bluetooth headphones increase the risk of brain or other tumors. This brain study was updated in 2022 and looks at 14 year data on nearly one million women showing no association with typical use.”

Counter-intuitively, using earbuds is safer than traditional calling. Dr Juthani explains, “Holding a phone to your ear exposes you to higher levels of radiation than earbuds.”

To further protect the hearing nerve, she recommends using speakers when practical. She elaborates, “To protect your hearing, the safest thing to do is keep your phone on speaker when possible, but headphones are better than the phone directly on your ear.”