Effect of 3T MRI noise on adults hearing observed by the dynamic auditory brainstem response test

Purpose Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic method have been widelyPurpose Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic method have been widely clinical application for over twenty years. A prominent disadvantage of MRI is the high level of noise produced during scanning process. The noise is hazardous for patients and operators. It may cause the temporary or permanent hearing threshold shift. This study is aimed to explore whether the noise of 3T MRI has an influence on normal adults hearing. Methods We performed head MRI to 29 healthy volunteers who had passed the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) hearing test . We performed the ABR audiometry within 24 hours before the MRI examination for the first time, and carry on the second audiometry within 20 minutes after the MRI scanning, Among all the 29 cases, 26 showed a hearing threshold, and we review their hearing in 25 days later. The results were applied Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, SPSS 18. Results There was significant difference of left and right ear hearing between before and 20 minutes after MRI (p<0.01) and no significant difference of both ear hearing between before MRI and the review in 25 days later. Conclusion The noise lasted close to 1 hour from 3T MRI scanning has a transient effect on adults hearing.clinical application for over twenty years. A prominent disadvantage of MRI is the high level of noise produced during scanning process. The noise is hazardous for patients and operators. It may cause temporary or permanent hearing threshold shift. This study is aimed to explore whether the noise of 3T MRI has an influence on adults hearing. Methods We performed head 3T MRI to those 29 cases of healthy volunteers who had passed the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) hearing test . We performed the ABR audiometry within 24 hours before the MRI examination for the first time, and carry on the second audiometry within 20 minutes after the MRI scanning, and we review their hearing 25 days later. The results were applied Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, SPSS 18. Results The left and right ears hearing before and after MRI , the tests were taken to be significant at p<0.01. There have not significantly difference in both ears hearing before MRI and the review. Conclusion The noise that 3T MRI produced has only a transient effect on adults hearing.

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