02-09-2017, 01:43 PM
Programmable shunts play a valuable role in treating patients with hydrocephalus, but because a magnet is used to change valve settings, interactions with external magnets can reprogram these shunts. Earlier studies have shown the ability of magnetic toys and iPads to erroneously reprogram shunts. The headphones are even more ubiquitous, and contain an electromagnet for the sound projection that is on the head very close to the bypass valve. This study is the first to consider the magnetic field emissions of the earphones and their effect on reprogrammable shunt valves to determine if the earphones are safe for patients with these shunts to use.