iPods Found Compatible with Pacemakers

A research study has found that low level emissions from iPods pose no risk to users with pacemakers.

A new study authored by FDA researcher Howard Bassen and colleagues has concludes that the low-level magnetic fields and resulting induced voltages produced by Apple’s iconic iPod music players pose no risk to patients with implanted pacemakers.

Reported in Biomedical Engineering Online, the study outlines a series of experiments with a fourth-generation Apple iPod, an iPod nano, an iPod with video, and an iPod shuffle being used near a saline-filled bag simulating the human body and a sensor designed to measure emissions from the portable music players.

"We measured magnetic field emissions with a 3-coil sensor placed within 1 cm (half an inch) of the surface of the player. Highly localized fields were observed (only existing in a one square cm area)," the researchers wrote. "Based on the observations of our in-vitro study we conclude that no interference effects can occur in pacemakers exposed to the iPods we tested."

Emissions were strongest from the two iPod models with internal hard drives.

The study contradicts earlier research efforts that purported that field emissions from iPod players could potentially interfere with pacemaker functions.