MRI — How to Prepare?

Candy

Candy

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Aug 27, 2016
928
Tinnitus Since
06/2016
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#1
Dear all

My MRI scan will finally take place on Wednesday. I'm planning to use foam earplugs to protect from noise? Wanted to wear some headphones too but would they interfere with the scan? There is a long list of things containing metal that do but this wasn't mentioned...any recommendations much appreciated...

Thanks!
 
#2
Can somebody who understands the physics of each...a CBCT scan versus MRI, please comment on which type of imaging provides the greatest clarity/resolution and therefore insight into the internal anatomy of our head?

Thanks

PS: Candy, what it your objective with your MRI...what do you expect to discern or validate? Good luck!
 
#3
An MRI provides the most detailed imaging available.

Call the place that is the scan and check if they provide plugs. Most places offer up foam ear plugs, and ear muffs you can use over the top.
 
#4
Candy, please please please do whatever you can to lower decibals by at least 40db... I just had an MRI with 30db reduction plugs and it was still SOOOOO loud! Since the machine is usually 120db, it's still 90db for the whole time of you used -30db earplugs... Try and get as much ear protection as possible
 
#5
stophiss said:
Can somebody who understands the physics of each...a CBCT scan versus MRI, please comment on which type of imaging provides the greatest clarity/resolution and therefore insight into the internal anatomy of our head?
Click to expand...

They show different things, so it's not a case of "one is better than the other". A CT scan will show bone structure/density, so it's a good tool to look into conditions like superior semicircular canal dehiscence or otosclerosis. Conversely, an MRI shows water/fluids and fat in the body, and can be useful to diagnose an acoustic neuroma.

When you have no clue what you're looking for, you can do both to see if either one will reveal anything abnormal.

CT uses ionizing radiation. MRI uses a strong magnetic field (so if you have metal in your body, watch out).
 
#6
I have just had several done. If they are scanning your head, they won't let you use headphones. Bring your own plugs because the ones they provide aren't very good.
 
#8
Definitely take your own ear plugs with you because the ones provided by the hospital aren't the best and don't block much noise. You won't be able to listen to any music, I don't think you'd be able to hear it anyway even if you were allowed to because the MRI machine is really loud and noisy, it sounds like construction work in your ears! The radiographer knows it's not a nice situation to be in, so they will definitely be there for you and make you feel comfortable and better! There was also a small mirror above me facing the radiographer, so I could see her while I was lying down and she was able to talk to me the whole time, which made things a lot better and easier! You are given a little button to push if you feel uncomfortable during the scan and wish to stop, but I'd say don't push it! Just get the scan over and done with because it takes quite long, but they do the scan in intervals (like she will scan for a minute, then a minute and a half and so on. I think the longest scan was about 10 minutes and that's right at the end! Good luck, I wish you well!
 
#9
Had an MRI a couple of months ago. In the UK they will let you listen to music or radio over headphones however the noise of the MRI machine usually pretty much drowns this out. Bringing your own earplugs is allowed and can be helpful if the noise worries you. I was quite anxious about going and had previously cancelled an MRI out of fear. In the end I had a 70 minute spinal and head scan and didn't find the process uncomfortable at all. The staff at the centre are well used to putting people at their ease.
 
#10
Thank you all so much for your comments, very helpful!!
@stophiss - good question, basically here in the UK it's standard procedure through the NHS if you have t - they are just ruling acoustic neuroma...
 
#11
Make sure you wear decent foam plugs as sound levels can reach 120 decibels. They gave me rubbish ones and I believe my hyperacusis started the day after the scan. Decent foam earplugs should do the trick. The scan should only be 10 to 15 mins.
 
#12
Oh my goodness, that was LOUD!!! Louder than the sound that first gave me T.

Now my ear/ head is screaming...please tell me it hasn't damaged the rest of my cells...really scared.

Love to you all
 
#13
I'm sure you will be fine as I was .
Have a relaxing evening and any spike should be short lived.
They are loud with the banging .
Hope your results are fine too....lots of love glynis
 
#15
Candy said:
Oh my goodness, that was LOUD!!! Louder than the sound that first gave me T.

Now my ear/ head is screaming...please tell me it hasn't damaged the rest of my cells...really scared.

Love to you all
Click to expand...
The anxiety of the whole process will be contributing to your ears screaming. Perhaps take some NAC and B vitamins to help the ears. Try to put it behind you now and focus on relaxing. It's over now.
 
#16
Why are MRI s so dam loud to begin with? The foam plugs they gave me were as good as nothing.... Had a spike but it did subside....If I had it to do over I would have brought quality earplugs with me...
 
#19
The initial screaming seems to have settled, but still seems loud...don't know if I'm just having a loud week or not - my sound is all over the place anyway.
Thanks you for asking it truly brought tears to my eyes, that a group of people whom I've never met in person have been thinking of me. x
 
#20
It should settle down....spike is expected as per my ENT...in the mean time try and keep yourself busy

...I am happy that you find comfort in this forum....we understand the value of kindness when someone is pain...as we all have first hand experience with it

....i wonder why doctors dont give magnesium few days before it is know to helpful if taken prior to noise exposure....

You might want to try magnisum for a few days....nothing to loose i guess...
 
#21
Candy said:
Dear all

My MRI scan will finally take place on Wednesday. I'm planning to use foam earplugs to protect from noise? Wanted to wear some headphones too but would they interfere with the scan? There is a long list of things containing metal that do but this wasn't mentioned...any recommendations much appreciated...

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I had an MRI a month ago. I used foam earplugs in addition to the ear muffs they provided. You can opt for music in the ear muffs to pass the time if you want, however I personally did not want more noise. I also asked my dr for a low dose of Valium to relieve anxiety during the test. It is LOUD. I mean, it vibrates through your bones so despite the plugs you're still going to hear the noise. The foam plugs and
Muffs should be enough to prevent hearing damage and I didn't have a spike from the test. I actually have another MRI/MRA scheduled on Tuesday and I am doing the same, plugs, muffs and Valium! The benefit of the test outweighs the risks for myself personally. Good luck!
 
#22
I hate MRI its extremely loud forcing me to wear ear plugs, which also forces me to listen to my tinnitus.

I strongly advise people to take for ear plugs with them, and also wear the ear defenders they put on you and ask for music to be played through them.
 
#23
If it makes you feel better I've already had two MRIs, an MRA and will have another MRI in 6 months . I take diazepam and use foam ear plugs in addition to ear muffs and I've not had a spike from them. I will likely be required to have multiple MRIs my entire life :( just make sure to use adequate protection!
 
#26
Hello,

I am getting an MRI done tomorrow, and from what I can tell half the people have a problem and the other half do not.

They use a wide bore 1.5T GE 450W
https://www.gehealthcare.com/en/products/magnetic-resonance-imaging/1-5t/optima-mr450w

They offer hearing plugs and muffs.

Should I be concerned?


I have been in a restaurant at 96 dB for 4 hours before with no issue, but I'm unsure about this.

Anything helps,

Thank you.
 
#27
TimmyC said:
Hello,

I am getting an MRI done tomorrow, and from what I can tell half the people have a problem and the other half do not.

They use a wide bore 1.5T GE 450W
https://www.gehealthcare.com/en/products/magnetic-resonance-imaging/1-5t/optima-mr450w

They offer hearing plugs and muffs.

Should I be concerned?


I have been in a restaurant at 96 dB for 4 hours before with no issue, but I'm unsure about this.

Anything helps,

Thank you.
Click to expand...

The headset they gave me worked fine but my tinnitus is also non-reactive. You can ask then to turn up/down the music they play also.

If you are concerned you could also wear ear plugs under the headset.
 
#29
dayma said:
The headset they gave me worked fine but my T is also non-reactive. You can ask then to turn up/down the music they play also.

If you are concerned you could also wear ear plugs under the headset.
Click to expand...
I'm unsure if mine is reactive (seems more reactive to anxiety), but I was on an airplane for a while (that registered 86 dB for 5 hours) and it didn't seem to make a difference.

Any suggestions on earplugs? The MRI I'm using is wide bore. I wonder if that makes a difference.
 
#30
TimmyC said:
I'm unsure if mine is reactive (seems more reactive to anxiety), but I was on an airplane for a while (that registered 86 dB for 5 hours) and it didn't seem to make a difference.

Any suggestions on earplugs? The MRI I'm using is wide bore. I wonder if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...
Your tinnitus sounds like mine so I really have not done any extra protection to this point (ear plugs).
 

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