With the advancement of technology, mobile phone signal jammers are becoming more and more common in some public places, such as mosques, schools and cinemas. However, the use of such devices has also caused some controversy, especially the possible impact on medical auxiliary devices such as hearing aids and pacemakers. Recently, the Kuwait Ministry of Health issued a statement warning that mobile phone signal jammers may have a negative impact on these devices and may even threaten life safety.
Warning from the Kuwait Ministry of Health
The Kuwait Ministry of Health pointed out that cell phone jammers block mobile phone signals by emitting electromagnetic waves, but these electromagnetic waves may interfere with the internal and external mechanisms of hearing aids and affect their normal function. In addition, these jammers may change the working mode of pacemakers, change heart rate, and may even cause death. Based on these potential risks, the Ministry of Health recommends not to use jammers in public places to avoid harm to people wearing hearing aids or pacemakers.
Expert opinion
In response to the Ministry of Health's warning, Dr. Husam Sameer, an audiology specialist at Hadi Hospital, said that although jammers may have an impact on hearing aids, such effects are usually temporary. "Jammers produce noisy technical sounds similar to those produced by a TV without a signal. Therefore, if a patient using a hearing aid is in a place where a jammer is installed, his hearing will be temporarily disturbed and he will not be able to hear clearly. Modern hearing aid tools are digital and very sensitive, but these effects are temporary and disappear once you leave the jammer coverage area." Dr. Sameer believes that jammers will not cause permanent damage to hearing aids.
Dr. Mary, an ENT specialist in a private clinic, holds a similar view. She pointed out that the radiation intensity of jammers is not high and will not cause substantial damage to hearing aids. "The radiation is not very high, so it will not damage the hearing aid. It is not a cause for concern. I have not received any patient complaining about the damage of the tool. In any case, if the patient's hearing aid has a problem, we can repair it, and we also have equipment to test hearing, which can solve this problem," she explained.
Cardiologists’ views
Dr. Asim Fathi, consultant cardiologist at Hardee Hospital, expressed caution about the effects of jammers on pacemakers. He pointed out that the claims about the effects of jammers on pacemakers have not been scientifically proven. “The harmful effects are still being studied but have not been proven. This is similar to other studies that have found a link between an increase in certain diseases and machines such as X-ray machines and other screening devices, but it has not been proven.” He stressed that although there is no conclusive evidence that jammers have a harmful effect on pacemakers, precautions are still very important. “In general, we recommend that all patients who have any medical assistive device implanted in their bodies, especially pacemakers, avoid using devices such as jammers that may harm them. Patients should be careful,” Dr. Fathi added.
Practical considerations
Although the opinions of experts vary, it is still necessary for managers of public places and users of devices to weigh the pros and cons and take appropriate precautions. Before installing a mobile phone signal jammer, a full risk assessment should be carried out to understand its potential impact on various medical devices. At the same time, managers should provide clear guidance and warnings to inform the public, especially those wearing hearing aids and pacemakers, of the presence of jammers.
Alternatives and Future Outlook
In order to manage mobile phone use without affecting medical devices, public places can consider using other alternatives. For example, by increasing human resources, strictly enforcing the prohibition of mobile phone use, or using technical means to monitor and remind mobile phone use behavior instead of directly blocking signals. In addition, future technological advances may bring more intelligent and safe signal management devices that can effectively block unnecessary mobile phone signals without interfering with the normal operation of medical devices.
Conclusion
mobile phone signal jammers have a certain role in managing mobile phone use and maintaining order in public places, but their potential impact on hearing aids and other medical auxiliary devices cannot be ignored. The warning from the Kuwait Ministry of Health reminds us that when using such devices, we should fully consider safety and legality to ensure that there is no threat to public health and safety. A balance between technological convenience and public safety can be achieved through scientific evaluation and careful use.
