Published: November 15, 2008 10:56 pm      

Pacemakers, headphones a dangerous combination?

Do headphones interact with implanted cardiac devices?

A researcher at Harvard University studied that question and is now suggesting that you shouldn’t place headphones for Mp3 players in close proximity of an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator.

Dr. William H. Maisel of the Medical Safety Institute at the Beth Israel Deaconess Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard University Medical Center, has conducted research indicating that headphones placed within an inch of a pacemaker or defibrillator “may interfere” with a cardiac device, regardless of whether the Mp3 player is on or plugged in.

Although previous studies have reported that iPods, various cell phones, electric blankets and hand-held metal detectors do not cause adverse effects, Maisel’s study indicated that most headphones containing the magnetic substance neodymium “may” cause some interaction.

Dr. Patrick L. Brown, director of cardiology at the Greenbrier Clinic in White Sulphur Springs, says most of the cardiac devices are shielded against outside electrical and/or magnetic sources, and an interaction will only occur if there’s close contact between the two.

“These things are really safe,” Brown said.

“People with pacemakers and defibrillators don’t usually have to be concerned with electronic and magnetic devices unless they’re extremely close.”

Brown says normal headphone usage will not likely cause a concern, but if you have a headphone set resting on your chest or within a couple inches of the device, you could potentially have a negative interaction.

In the research study, eight models of Mp3 player headphones with iPods were tested on 60 patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators.

Headphones placed over the location of an implanted cardiac device on patients’ chests indicated “detectable interference” or “magnet response” in 30 percent of defibrillator and 15 percent of pacemaker patients.

“For patients with pacemakers, exposure to the headphones can force the device to deliver signals to the heart, causing it to beat without regard to the patients’ underlying heart rhythm,” Maisel said in his research findings posted online.

“Exposure of a defibrillator to the headphones can temporarily deactivate the defibrillator.”

He also noted normal device function was reinstated after the headphones were removed.

Because his findings didn’t prove “any interactions when the headphones were at least 1.2 inches from the skin’s surface,” Maisel suggests patients keep headphones at least that distance from the cardiac device area.

He also suggested that family members coming in contact with implantable defibrillator patients should avoid “wearing headphones” or “resting their head on top of” an individual’s cardiac device.

For a more information on Maisel’s research findings, visit www.bidmc. harvard.edu.

— E-mail: jayres@register-herald.com