A landmark study published in Scientific Reports in 2024 found that people who used Bluetooth headsets for longer daily durations were more likely to have thyroid nodules compared to those who used them infrequently or not at all. This association remained even after adjusting for other factors like age and lifestyle, and was especially notable in individuals who used in-ear Bluetooth devices, which sit directly next to the thyroid region. Even though Bluetooth devices emit non-ionizing radiofrequency (RF) radiation, which is much lower energy than ionizing radiation (like X-rays) and doesn’t break DNA bonds directly, the thyroid is anatomically close to typical headset placement (near-ear, neck region) and is a gland known to be sensitive to electromagnetic exposures. A literature review on mobile phone RF exposure and thyroid health found altered hormone levels and histopathologic changes in animal models exposed to RF fields. (PMID: 34567874) Potential mechanisms: - RF radiation can trigger cell-stress responses in thyroid tissue: upregulating heat-shock proteins (HSPs), altering gene expression, affecting calcitonin/C-cell activity. - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in thyroid follicular cells or C-cells, leading to inflammation. - Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, perhaps via altered receptor signaling or impairment of cellular repair processes. - Cumulative exposure effect, where everyday low-level RF over years gradually affects tissue vulnerability. Some considerations:🎧🎧🎧 - If you use Bluetooth earbuds/headsets for extended hours every day (especially in-ear style), consider switching to wired headphones. - Take phone calls through speaker mode or use wired headphones with a built-in microphone - Keep your phone off your body whenever possible, avoid carrying it in your bra or near your neck, since even idle devices emit intermittent RF pulses. - Ground daily. Walking barefoot or using a grounding mat helps discharge accumulated electromagnetic charge and can stabilize cortisol rhythms.