MRI advice: Anyone had MRI on one ear? How long... - Tinnitus UK

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MRI advice

Momoko79 profile image
12 Replies

Anyone had MRI on one ear? How long did it take? I’ve got mine next week and I’m a little nervous, as I’m slightly claustrophobic and suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.. I can’t take anything to calm me, as I have to drive to the hospital, I will have to do mind over matter.. but wondering how long it takes roughly?

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Momoko79 profile image
Momoko79
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12 Replies
Brett_angel profile image
Brett_angel

5 to 10 mins

Wringing1212 profile image
Wringing1212

Make sure you have a scan that allows ear muffs not just ear plugs.

For both ears, in a closed GE Tesla scanner, with contrast, mine took 20 minutes of actual scanning at 120 Db. I was in the scanner for about 35 total.

I'm very serious about the ear protection. A high resolution brain scan is very loud and sustained. Studies find it is a risk for patients without hearing disorders so if you have one, be cautious.

EirM profile image
EirM

Hi I got an MRI done on both ears with a brain scan and it took 45 mins approx. If you ask for a short tunnel wide bore machine they are much better than the standard ones. Make sure you tell them you are anxious and get the last appointment of the day so that they are not rushing you as no one will be after you. I hope that helps...

Velotin profile image
Velotin

You’ll be fine. I had a complete cerebral scan, it took about 30 mins. It is quite loud and noisy so do make sure you get the the headphones on nice and comfortable with some good loud music playing! All the best...

Suziwong profile image
Suziwong

10 minutes really quick, take deep breaths and it will be over

CamperT25 profile image
CamperT25

Hi. I had an MRI last wk on neck and brain. Took aprox 20 mins each. My ears are bad at mo, got Eustachian Tube dysfunction, fluid behind both eardrums after sinus infection. I was really worried abt the scan and the noise, but it wasnt too bad. They give u ear plugs to wear and headphones too. U also speak to the radiologist whenever u want. Best to close yr eyes but its honestly nothing to worry abt. Im claustrophobic too and it was not as bad as i thought. Hope this helps. Hx

Momoko79 profile image
Momoko79

Thanks for the advice everyone, I was told the scanner is a wide one, so hopefully that will help.. I was also told I’m not allowed to listen to music either, my T doesn’t really get worse with noise but I will be taking my ear plugs!! I’m not exactly what they will be scanning just one ear or both or everyone head and neck

IvanMilliau profile image
IvanMilliau

My first MRI failed due to my claustrophobia; I finally took an open MRI. It took 15 min. I would recommend to talk a calming pill (benzo like alprozalam or clonazepam) - try not to worry too much as this increases T.

Gwynydd profile image
Gwynydd

It is very quick - about ten minutes. They fit a mask and earphones play music. I closed my eyes and relaxed. It was over very quickly. The nurse and radiologist were so kind. This is the second MRI I have experienced. I would not worry ever again. I to am slightly claustrophobic. I wish you well

Momoko79 profile image
Momoko79

I was told over the phone that I won’t be allowed to have music when I asked ☹️

Swangirl40 profile image
Swangirl40

HI, I had MRI on my ears/head a couple of weeks ago and it took about 15 mins in total. They get you in the correct position so you are as comfortable as possible, fitted ear plugs and a mask then you just slide in on the machine. I just kept my eyes closed and concentrated on breathing deeply and imagined myself on a beach! It is noisy and the noises kept changing but it was OK. It seemed over quite quickly. They can talk to you while you are in there and she must have checked I was Ok 3 or 4 times. They were very kind and all was quite relaxed and friendly. They also gave me a button to press if I was uncomfortable or worried at all. I asked about music too and they said it depends on the machine but the one I got there was no facility for music.However it was so quick it wasn't a problem.

Keoni profile image
Keoni

Hi Momoko79,

My scan took about 15 - 20 minutes. Nothing to it, really. You lie on a narrow bed with a clear sort of helmet. A prism gave me a view of the control room. They played music to cover some of the machine's noise and a button to press if I wanted help.

I was a tad nervous a few days before until I decided that getting a result was way more important than any slight discomfort. The ENT doctor assured me that over 75% of scans are clear.

At the very least you can count this as just one of life's experiences and you may be able to use it to reassure someone else at a future date.

I hope it all goes well for you.

Respectfully submitted,

Keoni

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