Just got back from my referral appointment

[jbradford42]

Hi All, just got back from the hospital after seeing the specialist had a hearing test first the seen the doctor. Not seen the specialist since before my T went potty last January after having it mild for years. He wants me back for a head and brain scan hopefully just checking that it’s nothing else. The only trouble is I’ve never had a scan before and I’ve heard many different stories so guys can anyone put me in the picture about this. Cheers guys.

[HarryMP]

Hello

I've had several scans. Not considered them to be anything unpleasant. They are obviously just checking to see if the T increase is due to anything physical happening - which for the vast majority of the time...there isn't.

[JohnJopp]

I think I must be approaching double figures for MRI scans now. They've never affected my T. The scanner does make an assortment of weird noises but you are given headphones to block out the worst of it. Sometimes they offer to play music for you. Usually takes about 15 mins or so.

[jbradford42 in reply to JohnJopp]

Cheers thanks

[Wringing1212]

HI J,

I've warned folks on the risks of brain scans in other posts or replies. Hope not to be redundant here but I think it's important to note:

A closed scan with contrast subjects your auditory canal to 120+_ Db. Studies find that 20 percent of healthy ears experience some level of permanent hearing loss from anything over 20 minutes at this level.

If you were to consult a sound engineer, they would explain why these levels are not within their control.

You as a T patient, are more susceptible to complications.

There are a variety of scanners. Ironically, the lower resolution scanners such as an open scanner, witch produces 80Db can host ear muffs, a far superior method of ear protection than foam plugs. The problem is, most radiologists find the resolution of these too low to be sufficiant for diagnosing our conditions??????

I can tell you with certainty, that a brainscan by the GE manufactured closed MRI Tesla scanner, will mess you up. I went in with mild T, and walked out with catastrophic T Along with hyperacusis, vertigo and pulsatile symptoms.

I've got letters from the heads of all departments confirming this. They claim that it is a known risk, which supposedly relieves them of any moral or legal liabilties regarding my case. My research found that GE dictates safety standards to our FDA. So long as they stay within the guidelines 120Db for no more than 20 minutes, the rest of the risk is on you.

Yes, you might have a life threatening illness or a treatable condition that could be detected by the scan but the chances of that are very slim. I'd be surprised if 1% of scans result in any productive intervention.

Bottom line, ask for an open scanner or see if anyone has a closed scanner that can hosts metal free ear muffs.

Good luck with this one,

Wringing1212

[jbradford42]

Cheers I will definitely do this thanks

[Judyspal]

Hi ,I've recently been through all this myself and whilst yes the scanner was loud,I could still hear my t above it ,I had my head placed in what I would describe as a divers helmet with a mirror so that I could see what was going off ,the scan took about 20min .if you wish you can take a CD of your choice to listen to during the process.

The idea of the scan is to check that their is no underlying cause for the t

Hope this puts you at ease.

[NicBTA Partner]

MRI scanners can be loud, but you are given hearing protection. They can also be chilly due to the fan, so you get a blanket. I have to have them regularly because of a long term neurological condition. They have never triggered tinnitus in me - just stress or ear infections do! The combination of neutral repetitive sounds, darkness, lying down in the middle of the day and a cosy blanket mean I have drifted off to sleep on more than one occasion...

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[jbradford42]

Thanks all for your help. Best wishes all and merry Christmas guys