Hearing loss after noise exposure

American Journal of Otolaryngology, 2020

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of noise produced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device on hearing by using objective and subjective audiological assessments. Methods: A total of 38 patients between the ages of 18 and 50 without hearing loss, and had performed MRI for brain, head, neck or cervical imaging were included in this prospective clinical study. Pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, high frequency audiometry, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) were performed before and after MRI. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in TEOAE, pure tone audiogram, high frequency audiogram and speech audiogram thresholds. In DPOAE, the median value before and after MRI at the frequency of the left ear at 4.0 kHz was 13.6 (8.5-19.9) and 15.7 (8.9-20.7) SNR respectively (p > .05). The median value before MRI at the right ear 4.0 kHz frequency was 14.1 (9.1-20.5) SNR, whereas the median value after MRI was 13.2 (8.8-19.8 SNR (p = 0,03). There was no statistically significant difference in other frequencies in DPOAE. Conclusions: This is the first objective study that examines the MRI noise on speech audiometry and otoacoustic emission together. However, the effect of MRI noise on hearing pathway is still doubt. Based on the difference at 4 kHz frequency on DPOAE; on-earphones may not sufficiently protect the patients from the MRI noise and this issue should deserve further research.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2014

High acoustic noise level is one of the unavoidable side effects of 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A case of hearing loss after 3 T MRI has been reported in this institution and hence this study. The objective of this study was to determine whether temporary threshold shift (TTS) in high frequency hearing occurs in patients undergoing 3 T MRI scans of the head and neck. A total of 35 patients undergoing head and neck 3 T MRI for various clinical indications were tested with pure tone audiometry in different frequencies including high frequencies, before and after the MRI scan. Any threshold change from the recorded baseline of 10 dB was considered significant. All patients were fitted with foamed 3 M earplugs before the procedure following the safety guidelines for 3 T MRI. The mean time for MRI procedure was 1,672 s (range 1,040-2,810). The noise dose received by each patient amounted to an average of 3,906.29 % (1,415-9,170 %). The noise dose was derived from a normograph used by Occupational Noise Surveys. This was calculated using the nomograph of L eq , L EX , noise dose and time. There was no statistically significant difference between the hearing threshold before and after the MRI procedures for all the frequencies (paired t test, P [ 0.05). For patients using 3 M foamed earplugs, noise level generated by 3 T MRI during routine clinical sequence did not cause any TTS in high frequency hearing.

2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most commonly used tools in neuroscience. However, it implies exposure to high noise levels. Exposure to noise can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, especially when the exposure is long and/or repeated. Little is known about the hearing risks for people undergoing several MRI examinations, especially in the context of longitudinal studies. The goal of this study was to assess the potential impact of repeated exposure to MRI noise on hearing in research participants undergoing dozens of MRI scans. This investigation was made possible thanks to an unprecedented intensive MRI research data collection effort (the Courtois NeuroMod project) where participants have been scanned weekly (up to twice a week), with the use of hearing protection, since 2018. Their hearing was tested periodically, over a period of 1.5 years. First, baseline pure-tone thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes were acquired before the beginning of this study. Hearing tests were then scheduled immediately before/immediately after a scan and with a delay of two to seven days after a scan. Pure-tone thresholds and DPOAE amplitudes showed no scanner noise impact right after the scan session when compared to the values acquired right before the scan session. Pure-tone thresholds and DPOAE amplitudes acquired in the delayed condition and compared to the baseline showed similar results. These results suggest an absence of impact from MRI noise exposure. Overall, our results show that an intensive longitudinal MRI study like the Courtois NeuroMod project likely does not cause hearing damage to participants when they properly utilize adequate hearing protection.

Radiology Research and Practice

Introduction. Exposure to high intensity noise produced by MRI is a cause for concern. This study was conducted to determine the temporary and permanent effects of exposure to noise created by performing MRI on the hearing threshold of the subjects using conventional and extended high frequency audiometry. Methods. This semiexperimental study was performed on 35 patients referred to Shahid Rahnemoun Hospital for head and neck MRI due to different clinical conditions. The hearing threshold of patients was measured before, immediately after, and 24 hours after performing 1.5 Tesla MRI using conventional and extended high frequency audiometry. SPSS version 18 was used to compare the mean hearing thresholds before and after MRI using paired T test and repeated measures analysis. Results. Comparison of auditory thresholds in conventional and extended high frequencies before and immediately after MRI showed a significant shift at 4 KHz (P = 0.008 and P = 0.08 for right and left ears), 6 K...

The Turkish Journal of Geriatrics, 2020

Temporary hearing threshold shift might develop after noise exposure due to magnetic resonance imaging. We aimed to investigate the effects of acoustic noise during 1.5 Tesla temporal bone MRI on audiometric tests and disturbance self-reports in patients with tinnitus. Materials and Method: Sixty-three symptomatic ears of 55 patients with persistent tinnitus were included in this study. Sound level recordings of imaging room were made with dosimeter. Two age groups (<65 years and > 65 years) were created. Hearing thresholds were measured before, 24 hours after and 1 month after performing magnetic resonance imaging. Visual analogue scale, tinnitus handicap inventory and the Beck depression inventory were applied to all patients before and 24 hours after the imaging. Results: The mean intensity of acoustic noise during imaging was recorded as 99.3±3.4 dBA (109.9±4.1 dB). The threshold shifts were statistically higher in patients aged ≥65 than the ones aged <65 for 2000 and 4000 frequencies (p<0.05). The mean temporary shifts in tinnitus loudness were 5.00±6.495 dB and 10.17±11.179 dB for the patients with age<65 and age≥65 respectively (p = 0.018). While majority of the time dependent effects were significant for audiometric tests; they were insignificant for self-reported questionnaires, except visual analogue scale 5, which was higher in patients aged<65 (p = 0.012). Conclusion: Acoustic noise due to 1.5 Tesla temporal bone magnetic resonance imaging caused hearing threshold shifts and deterioration in intensity and disturbance of the tinnitus especially in elderly. Hearing protection is essentially required for all patients, when it is indicated.

Case reports in radiology, 2013

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices produce noise, which may affect patient's or operators' hearing. Some cases of hearing impairment after MRI procedure have been reported with different patterns (temporary or permanent, unilateral or bilateral, with or without other symptoms like tinnitus). In this report, a case of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in an otherwise healthy patient underwent brain MRI was described. The patient's hearing loss was accompanied with tinnitus and was not improved after 3 months of followup.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica, 2000

High intensity acoustic noise is an undesirable side-effect in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can cause discomfort and hearing loss in patients and may be an impediment in functional MRI (fMRI) studies of the auditory system. Experimental MRI systems with high magnetic field strengths may generate acoustic noise of higher sound pressure levels (SPLs) than conventional 1.0 and 1.5 T clinical systems. We measured the SPL and spectral content of the acoustic noise generated by the Bruker Biospect 47/40 4.7 T experimental MRI system during scanning sequences commonly used in animal testing. Each sequence generated acoustic noise of high SPL, rapid pulse rates, amplitude-modulated pulse envelopes and multi-peaked spectra. The rapid acquisition with enhancement sequence with a 0.25 mm slice thickness generated SPLs of up to 129 dB peak SPL and 130 dB (A). Fourier analysis of the spectral content of the acoustic noise generated by each MRI sequence showed a wide band of acoustic energy with spectral peaks from 0.2-5 kHz. The intense MRI acoustic impulse noise generated by the 4.7 T system may cause masking of stimuli used in fMRI of the auditory cortex, reduce the hearing acuity of experimental animals and present a risk for unprotected human ears.

Radiography, 2009

Purpose: Acoustic noise creates a problem for both patients and staff within the magnetic resonance (MR) environment. This study qualitatively and quantitatively investigates the acoustic noise levels from two MR systems in one clinical department and demonstrates the adverse effects that the acoustic noise generated in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has on a patient's experience of an MRI examination. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to consenting patients undergoing one of two specific MR examinations on two MR systems (System A and System B) of varying age and technology in one clinical department. These evaluated the patient's experience during the MRI examination. Physical measurements of the maximum acoustic noise levels produced by each system for various pulse sequences were also recorded using a sound level meter. Results: The results of the questionnaire survey demonstrated significantly greater tolerance of the acoustic noise levels of System B (mean noise level rating of 2.45 on LIKERT scale) in comparison to System A (mean noise level rating of 3.71 on LIKERT scale) (P Z 0.001). Significantly lower noise level descriptions were also demonstrated (P Z 0.01). The maximum recorded sound levels also confirmed that System B was quieter than the System A. Conclusion: It is has been demonstrated that the acoustic noise generated during an MRI examinations has an adverse effect on the patient experience during the examination. However, new technology has significantly reduced these effects and is improving patient comfort in MRI. It was shown quantitatively that the newer system's advanced gradient technology was quieter than the older system, in terms of the acoustic noise levels associated with a range of common pulse sequences. a v a i l a b l e a t w w w . s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w . e l s e v i e r . c o m / l o c a t e / r a d i Radiography (2009) 15, 320e326

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2000

This review article discusses the various types of acoustic noise produced during the operation of MR systems, describes the characteristics of the acoustic noise, and presents information regarding noise control techniques. In addition, the problems related to acoustic noise for patients and healthcare workers are discussed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2000;12:37-45.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2012

Purpose: To assess possible damage to the hearing of experimental and companion animal subjects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Materials and Methods: Using animal hearing threshold data and sound level measurements from typical MRI pulse sequences, we estimated ' 'equivalent loudness' ' experienced by several experimental and companion animals commonly subjects of MRI scans. We compared the equivalent loudness and exam duration to safe noise standards set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Results: Monkeys, dogs, cats, pigs, and rabbits are frequently exposed to equivalent loudness levels during MRI scans beyond what is considered safe for human exposure. The sensitive frequency ranges for rats and mice are shifted substantially upward and their equivalent loudness levels fall within the NIOSH safe zone. Conclusion: MRI exposes many animals to levels of noise and duration that would exceed NIOSH human exposure limits. Researchers and veterinarians should use hearing protection for animals during MRI scans. Experimental research animals used in MRI studies are frequently kept and reimaged, and hearing loss could result in changed behavior. Damage to companion animals' hearing could make them less sensitive to commands and generally worsen interactions with family members. Much quieter MRI scanners would help decrease stress and potential harm to scanned animals, normalize physiology during MRI, and enable MRI of awake animals.