MRI Scan for tinnitus

[Amb12]

Hi thrre, i got tinnitus in my left ear , it hurts some time and i go dizzy few times. I’m dreading MRI Scan , I’m wondering if they put me whole in tunnel or just my head in ? Please help xx

[Ruud1boy]

When I had an MRI, they put your upper body into the machine. It is a bit claustrophobic and quite loud, but there's usually a mirror so you can see what's happening in the control room and you can wear earplugs to minimise the noise. I'd suggest keeping your eyes closed for the duration and come up with something beforehand to keep your mind occupied throughout - whatever works for you.

There's nothing to fear from an MRI scan really - are you worried about the scanning process itself or what they might find?

[ShakeelaBTA]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum.

Do feel free to ask any questions, I hope that you find this a helpful and supportive place to help you manage your tinnitus.

We have some resources that you might like to check out in addition to our home here:

tinnitus.org.uk (information and support details)

takeontinnitus.co.uk (free tinnitus management programme)

Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone])

Kind regards

Shakeela

[Hidden]

I had an MRI scan recently and it was no problem at all. I had to stay still for quite a while which was I thought would be difficult, but I just relaxed, closed my eyes, and thought of nice things and it turned out to be quite easy.

Just don't forget to go to the toilet before !!!

[elbarto]

I honestly can't remember and I had 2 done. Relax, they will give you headphones and listen to some nice tunes while a bleeping machine scans your head. Then you'll get nice prints of what is inside of you :D. What can be cooler than that?

You just have to lay down, stay still and have a moment for yourself.

Good luck!

[ChooseYourUsername]

Dont forget to ask for earplugs ! 🙉

[Robert1961]

Hi please don't worry it's very safe I was worried the fist time I went in for one best to close your eyes honestlyit's totally safe

[clivekeen]

Don’t worry I had some done a few years ago no problem but took around 6 years after getting tinnitus pestering ent eventually go t tinnitus hearing aids as got hearing problems aswell

[HissingSid]

I’ve got an MRI scan next Monday 20 May but I’m not concerned about it as I’m not claustrophobic or anything. Replies here seem to indicate that as long as you protect your ears, stay calm and still as best as possible then you’ll be ok. I’ve noted the advice of ensuring I go to loo before having the scan. If anything odd happens to me during or after my scan then I’ll report it here. I’m volunteering to have my MRI scan as part of dementia research study.

[Greeves63]

I have had about 8 MRI scans over the last 5 years, due to check ups post surgery. This week I had my latest in a brand new Siemens machine, which I somehow expected to be less noisy, but it wasn’t. The scan lasts 20 minutes for me and it’s not particularly pleasant, but bearable. They give you headphones which are rather inadequate in my opinion (they really need to be the noise cancelling type). While lying there, I suddenly realised why I now have developed this permanent screaming in my head over the last few years, about 11,000 hz of high pitch tone to be precise - it’s due to the MRI scanner! My tinnitus was much worse after the scan and has not diminished as yet. Does anyone else have the same opinion? Regards to all.