Association between cumulative mobile phone use and auditory temporal resolution in young adults: a cross-sectional study

Objective To evaluate auditory temporal resolution in young adult mobile-phone users using the Gap Detection Test (GDT) and to examine its relationship with cumulative mobile-phone exposure. Design In this cross-sectional study, 405 healthy adults aged 18–40 years underwent GDT testing in acoustically controlled environments. Mobile-phone exposure was quantified using years of use, average daily talk time, and a formula-derived cumulative usage metric (total hours = years × 365 × daily talk time). Correlations between exposure indices, age, and GDT thresholds were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Multivariable analysis was performed controlling for age, sex, and daily talk time. Results The mean GDT threshold was 2.04 ± 0.62 ms (median 2.0 ms; IQR 1.7–2.3 ms), consistent with normative adult values. Weak inverse correlations were observed between GDT thresholds and cumulative exposure variables. Scatter plots demonstrated weak inverse associations between GDT thresholds and cumulative exposure variables. After adjustment for age, sex, and daily talk time, cumulative mobile-phone exposure was not independently associated with GDT thresholds after adjustment for age, sex, and daily talk time. No consistent evidence of impaired central auditory temporal processing was identified. Conclusions Auditory temporal resolution, as assessed by GDT, appeared largely preserved in this cohort of young adults despite prolonged mobile-phone exposure. Although statistically significant associations were observed, the effect sizes were weak and should be interpreted cautiously given the cross-sectional design. Further longitudinal studies incorporating electrophysiological measures and objective exposure assessment are required to clarify the clinical significance of these findings.