pacemaker

[quickpat36]

I would like to know whether it is ok to use headphones, which are magnetic, with a pacemaker. Can I use in both ears or only in the right ear?

[nilmonisikdar40]

I have a cardiac pacemaker implanted in feb. 2000 . However, due to lack of duty of care in pacemaker check, I found that there has been problem with lack of synchronisation of conduction for which I went biventricular conduction repair in 2021. Because of long standing problem, I have read all the contraindications of using magnetic hearing aids and could not find any problems with their use. To be perfectly reassured ring up local pacmaker department in heart centre and thy will give all the information.

[quickpat36 in reply to nilmonisikdar40]

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[Gladiator1951]

Hello quickpat36, I've had a pacer since March 2023. I regularly use my Samsung ear buds or big headphones for watching TV. I've never been warned by my pacer care providers that either of these could be a problem. I try to remember not to lay my phone on my chest near the pacer. To my knowledge, my Boston Scientific MyLatitude monitor has never picked up an abnormality. I am careful not to go through the magnetometers at the airport as they can be incompatible with pacers.

All in all, I believe the modern pacers are shielded from electromagnetic interference very well. I would ask my provider if I had any specific concerns.

[quickpat36 in reply to Gladiator1951]

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[Buddy00]

I’ve had several different brands of ear buds / head phones and had no issues whatsoever and that’s using both left and right .

[quickpat36 in reply to Buddy00]

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[FrankWillbe]

I regularly use headphones and was told (same as with the mobile phone) not to let them rest near your heart, in other words don't hang them around your neck hanging down.Otherwise safe to use. Hope that helps.

[quickpat36 in reply to FrankWillbe]

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[L8Again]

Some good advice here:

heart.org/en/health-topics/....

When my wife had her pacemaker implanted last year, she discussed risks with her cardiologist. He tried to put the risk into perspective by saying that she would have to lie on top of an induction hob before it posed any significant risk to the pacemaker: at worst, the pacemaker would revert back to factory settings.

She was through gutted to hear that at 74 she would have to give up high power arc welding!

[quickpat36 in reply to L8Again]

Sounds like my sort of woman😀

[StayStrongOver60]

Hi, I had the same issue with new Sony wireless headphones and phoned my cardiac pacemaker department and they took a note of the make and model number and they got back to me later in the day saying I was good to go but just not to place it onto my chest next to my pacemaker or in a bag over my shoulder on that side but other than that this model was fine. I was very impressed with the service. Hope this helps. Kate

[quickpat36 in reply to StayStrongOver60]

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[EMBoy]

All the warnings about pacemakers and magnetic fields go back to the 1960's and 70's when electronic components were different to those used today. Modern pacemakers are much more resilient than the old ones and will even withstand an MRI scan.

I've had my pacemaker for over 4 years and was often exposed to high magnetic fields at work, but without any adverse effect. I use large earphones regularly to listen to music, and even hold my mobile phone close to my pacemaker, all without any problems.

I love the comment by L8Again's wife's cardiologist.

[quickpat36 in reply to EMBoy]

Thank you - very reassuring😀