I wish this was just my imagination. Perhaps it is. I got home after being away for a month. My ears have been ringing like son of a bitch ever since I got home. My Starlink dish is way too close to where I sit to work at my computer desk, but I don’t have another option at this point. It has to stay on because others are using it. Also, with the wide radius that these satellite dishes paint from on high, being a few more feet away from the dish would probably make no difference.
Concerns have emerged regarding the potential relationship between Starlink satellites and tinnitus, particularly among individuals who report experiencing severe symptoms.
Overview of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears without an external sound source. Common causes include age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, and circulatory system issues. It can also be exacerbated by stress, loud noises, and certain medications[3][4]. The condition affects individuals differently, with some experiencing significant disruptions to their quality of life.
Allegations Linking Starlink to Tinnitus
Some individuals have posited that the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by Starlink satellites may contribute to or exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. A blog post discusses the possibility of a “RIFE effect” from these satellites, suggesting that they might emit high-frequency sounds that could affect the nervous system and lead to symptoms like tinnitus[1]. This perspective aligns with studies indicating a correlation between electromagnetic hypersensitivity and tinnitus, where individuals sensitive to EMF report higher instances of tinnitus compared to those who are not[2].
Starlink Plus Dish Network
I have both Starlink and Dish Network. This may be causing some problems. There are concerns regarding potential interference between Starlink and Dish Network due to their competition for spectrum. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken steps to protect Starlink’s access to the 12 GHz spectrum, which Dish Network sought to use for its terrestrial 5G services. On May 18, 2024, the FCC unanimously decided against Dish’s proposal, citing studies that indicated its high-power mobile service could significantly interfere with Starlink’s satellite communications, potentially denying broadband access to many users. Dish Network, having invested heavily in spectrum licenses and building its 5G network, faced regulatory pushback as the FCC determined that allowing Dish’s plan would disrupt satellite communications. This situation underscores the broader issue of spectrum allocation and the need for effective management to prevent harmful interference between competing technologies, as both companies operate in overlapping frequency bands that raise concerns about service quality degradation for users of either technology. Not mentioned in such discussions is degradation of user’s themselves, specifically, damage to brains and peripheral nervous systems. They’ve never looked, so they can honestly say they’ve never found such an association. While there are discussions about EMF exposure and its potential effects on conditions like tinnitus, there is no conclusive evidence linking Starlink’s operations to tinnitus at this time.
Scientific Perspective
Research on electromagnetic fields and their effects on health has produced mixed results. While some studies suggest a link between EMF exposure and increased tinnitus prevalence, others have found no significant relationship between mobile phone use (a common source of EMF) and tinnitus[2]. The complexities of tinnitus—often involving underlying neurological or auditory processing conditions—make it challenging to establish direct causation from external sources like satellite emissions.
Community Experiences
Reports from users of Starlink services indicate that some perceive unusual sounds or buzzing from their equipment, which might contribute to their discomfort[5]. However, these anecdotal accounts do not provide conclusive evidence linking Starlink directly to tinnitus.
Starlink Stopped by Namibia
Namibia has recently ordered Starlink to cease all operations within the country. On November 26, 2024, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) issued a cease-and-desist order, citing that Starlink was operating without the necessary telecommunications license. The authority emphasized that all activities related to Starlink are illegal under Namibian law and advised the public against purchasing or subscribing to its services[8][9][10].
In addition to halting operations, CRAN has confiscated Starlink terminal equipment from consumers and opened criminal cases against violators of this order. The regulator has stated its commitment to enforcing compliance with local telecommunications regulations and has warned that legal action will be taken against anyone contravening these regulations[11][12][13].
Starlink had submitted an application for a telecommunications service license, but as of now, it remains under review, and no license has been granted[8][14].
Blocking Starlink EMF
So here I sit, now under a special kind of metal screen which I have confirmed blocks Starlink transmissions. Several times I have covered the Starlink dish with this screen and my connection drops right away, zero contact. It works, but the thing is, Starlink satellites are broadcasting on other frequencies too, perhaps some that can go right through my screen. Plus this screen is dusty and it makes me cough. Is it the placebo effect? I experiment with positions. Nothing I do stops the headache or the ringing right away, but sometimes there is a slow decrease of both. Actually, moving the screen at random around my head seems to reduce the sound the most, but this could just be my imagination, or an effect of the exercise.
Conclusion
It’s a love hate relationship. I love the fast speeds I get with StarLink, but I hate the neurological symptoms, like this crazy loud tinnitus, the headaches, sore neck and back, and my feet hands and arms going numb. Being away from home for a month made it seem fairly clear that the experience may be tied to this location, somehow. It may be something other than Starlink, but it seems to be a local effect. Or is my home just a very quiet place where this is more noticeable? I don’t think so. I came from a very quiet place, a professional recording studio, and I did not have the tinnitus there. Could be just due to the power of suggestion, perhaps I just focus on it here, while the sound level is the same everywhere. That could be.
While there are claims connecting Starlink satellites to severe tinnitus symptoms through electromagnetic exposure, scientific evidence remains inconclusive. The relationship between EMF exposure and tinnitus is still under investigation, necessitating further research to clarify these connections. Individuals experiencing severe tinnitus should consult healthcare professionals for personalized assessments and treatment options tailored to their specific conditions.
Read More
[1] https://bmhonline.wordpress.com/2020/04/24/starlink-the-non-corona-topic/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2657824/
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/heart/what-makes-tinnitus-worse
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/17xdrkk/sound_or_hum_on_my_starlink_v2_router/
[6] https://www.21stcentech.com/research-tinnitus-shows-auditory-nerve-loss/
[7] https://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/22/health/magnesium-tinnitus-ringing-ears-partner/index.html
[8] https://www.connectingafrica.com/regulation/starlink-ordered-to-cease-operations-in-namibia
[0] https://dig.watch/updates/starlink-operations-halted-in-namibia-for-lacking-licence
[10] https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/tech/namibia-orders-elon-musks-starlink-to-cease-all-operations-in-the-country/
[11] https://totaltele.com/namibia-halts-starlink-operations-amid-licensing-dispute/
[12] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-28/namibia-orders-starlink-to-cease-all-operations-in-the-country
[13] https://www.namibian.com.na/starlink-operating-illegally-in-namibia/
[14] https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-starlink-ordered-cease-operations-namibia-2024-11-28/
[15] https://www.namibian.com.na/cran-orders-starlink-to-stop-operations-in-namibia/
[16] https://www.perplexity.ai/elections/2024-11-05/us/president
