Tinnitus & MRI Noise: Effective Hearing Protection?

[SugarMagnolia]

Hello, everyone!

I used to be active on Tinnitus Talk, but I've been away for a few years. Now I have a question that only you all might understand.

I have tinnitus caused by a noise injury, and I need to get an MRI. I'm aware that MRI noise can be harmful, especially for damaged eardrums. I recall that a regular member of these forums (apologies, I've forgotten their name) shared that their tinnitus worsened after having an MRI. The thought of my tinnitus getting louder is unbearable.

Is there any effective hearing protection to use during an MRI? Has anyone with noise-induced tinnitus had an MRI and been okay?

Thank you for reading.

 

[*TG]

You can use foam earplugs, but also take some anti-inflammatory, otoprotective supplements 2-3 days before. Vitamin A, C, D, E, CoQ10, Magnesium, NAC, etc.

 

[Jupiterman]

This subject has already been discussed on Tinnitus Talk.

Perhaps do a search and read what's already been posted?

 

[SugarMagnolia]

@Jupiterman, that's a really nasty reply. I'm scared and I'm reaching out to my people on Tinnitus Talk and instead of advice and friendship I get snark.

 

[Nick47]

that's a really nasty reply. I'm scared and I'm reaching out to my people on Tinnitus Talk and instead of advice and friendship I get snark.

@SugarMagnolia, I see that you have been a member for six years. I do not believe the poster's intention was to be "nasty."

They were simply directing you to a method for finding information on a question that has been asked hundreds of times on this forum.

As a long-time member, are you familiar with the search function?

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Jupiterman, that's a really nasty reply. I'm scared and I'm reaching out to my people on Tinnitus Talk and instead of advice and friendship I get snark.

My advice is to have the MRI scan, @SugarMagnolia. I recently had to have one because my tinnitus has changed considerably. I was also concerned about the noise of the MRI machine, but realized it was necessary to find out whether there was an underlying medical problem within my auditory system that has caused my tinnitus to change. I was given foam earplugs. The scan lasted 12 minutes and my tinnitus wasn't affected at all.

I know my tinnitus extremely well for I have lived with it for 28 years. It changed in 2008 to what I call "variable tinnitus" and took 4 years to habituate for the second time. I am a Hi-Fi enthusiast, but I'm one hundred percent sure the change in the tinnitus has nothing to do with exposure to external noise. For now I don't wish to go into any more detail about my tinnitus.

Please have the MRI. Your doctor wouldn't have recommended it if it wasn't necessary.

Michael

 

[MindOverMatter]

Hello, everyone!

I used to be active on Tinnitus Talk, but I've been away for a few years. Now I have a question that only you all might understand.

I have tinnitus caused by a noise injury, and I need to get an MRI. I'm aware that MRI noise can be harmful, especially for damaged eardrums. I recall that a regular member of these forums (apologies, I've forgotten their name) shared that their tinnitus worsened after having an MRI. The thought of my tinnitus getting louder is unbearable.

Is there any effective hearing protection to use during an MRI? Has anyone with noise-induced tinnitus had an MRI and been okay?

Thank you for reading.

Yes, use properly sealed foam earplugs with MRI-safe ear defenders on top, as suggested. Taking NAC or similar supplements before and after the MRI might also be a good idea.

If you are feeling stressed about the procedure, consider taking a small, single dose of diazepam about one hour beforehand. Be sure to arrange for a driver to take you to and from the appointment.

I have had numerous MRIs over the past 15 years. While it is not exactly enjoyable, I have been fine every time.