new study: earbud interference

This is a quote from an article in yesterday's Toronto Star:
"In research presented today at a major heart conference in New Orleans, Harvard University scientists said headphones, most commonly used for digital players, can interfere with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators if placed in close proximity."
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/533894

This is not the iPod problem that was in the news a while ago. This new study says that earbuds shouldn't come within about 3 cm (1.2 ") of the pacemaker.

"It can cause the heart to beat erratically, it can cause palpitations, or things like that." The article advises that you don't carry your earbuds in your shirt pocket, or let an earbud fall over your shoulder when you take them out (like at the Y when you're talking to someone.)

I've noticed this magnetic interference when I put a rechargeable flashlight—one that has a sliding magnet—in my shirt pocket and felt strange.

1 Comments

magnets

by Tracey_E - 2008-11-10 10:11:58

magnets should not be near your device, they will put it into backup mode. Put it in another pocket and you should be fine.

I use earbuds all the time and have never had a problem.

You know you're wired when...

You can shop longer than the Energizer Bunny.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.