What is the difference between wired earphones and Bluetooth headsets?

Bluetooth is a communications channel that transmits at high frequency in the range of non-ionizing radiation. Bluetooth has several applications, including headsets that operate as a sort of personal area network (PAN).  Through synchronization of communication between the Bluetooth device and the user's mobile phone, the communication channel is maintained, even when the mobile phone does not receive or transmit calls.

Radiation from the headset in the Bluetooth device is much lower than the level of exposure recommended for non-ionizing radiation (maximal level of exposure recommended by the Ministry of Environmental Protection for radiation in the 2.4 GHz range is 3 watts/sq.m and 1 watt/sq.m for continuous and prolonged exposure).

Moreover, the Specific Absorption Rates (SAR – amount of radiation absorbed by the body) of the Bluetooth headsets are lower than the SAR values of mobile phones (SAR values of mobile phones range between 0.4-1.2 watts/kg, compared with SAR values of Bluetooth headsets, which are in the range of 0.01 watts/kg or less).

Bluetooth device

In contrast to the Bluetooth headset, hearing with wired earphones is not associated with radiation exposure.  These serve as a bridging element to the device that transmits music, for instance, such as radios, mobile phones, etc.  The sound signals are converted to electrical signals at very low intensities.  These signals reach the earpiece of the earphones, where they are converted back from the low electrical current to produce vibrations in the earpiece, which we receive as sound.  It is these low frequency currents that are of concern.  The current produces a magnetic field around itself, but in the case of earphones the currents are weak and produce weak magnetic fields.  Concern has been voiced over the use of regular earphones, based on the erroneous claim that the wires attached to the earphones serve as antennas, thus magnifying the transmission straight into the ear.  This claim was tested through assessment of radiation in the wires of the earphones, and has been disproved.

Hearing with wired earphones