MRI scan - worth it?

[bournville]

I broke my wrist in lockdown couple years ago. I asked not to have an MRI scan at the time as my T & H was so bad. I had a follow-up last week as the wrist is sort of ok but still problematic with lifting & easy to strain. The Dr suggested we try an MRI and if it’s too much for me then stop. I have agreed but wanted to ask if anyone else here has dealt with an MRI post tinnitus & hyperacusis - any problems? I will definitely use my custom moulded ear plugs - can you take your own ear defenders to use along with ear plugs ?

[Rosepetal60]

I wanted to take my own small neck pillow in, but wasn’t allowed. ( told it was a hygiene issue) As long as your ear plugs don’t have Any Metal in them, I would think you stand a good chance of being allowed them. I broke my wrist last year and as a last 3rd last resort had a metal plate put in. So if I ever have an MRI in the future, my arm will have to be outside the scanner.

[doglover1973]

Hi bournville I would say no unless it's the only option. I was offered an MRI earlier this year for one sided hearing loss but I can't go thru with it. In case it makes my T worse. The hospital have now offered me a CT scan instead . Do you have any other options? It might be worth asking. As an aside I know most people are fine with MRI scans. It's just not a risk I can take .

[bournville in reply to doglover1973]

Thanks must admit the extended period of loud noise does feel like a risk. My other option is the Dr doing keyhole surgery investigation which would also allow them to fix any minor problems at the same time - Its a tough choice! might go along and see how bad the MRI noise is for a few seconds with the plugs in - I should know straight away if it’s going to be too much.

[doglover1973 in reply to bournville]

That is a tough choice! I wish you all the best whatever you decide to do.

[Yogachamp]

Hi I had MRI scan I was really worried but I had cancer at the time and my Tinnitus was very new to me so I was not in a good place.

However I had MRI they were very understanding I wore the protective earphones provided my scan was nearly an hour & I did some of my practised deep breathing & I was fine . Just try & relax as much as possible & you should be fine . Good luck.

[bluebell71]

HiAt the start on my tinnitus I had an MRI scan but this was many years ago. June this year my T was horrendous the doctor wanted me to have an MRI to check for anything sinister going on. I didn’t want the stress as I’m claustrophobic but I’m told they are much improved these days.

I’m pleased I didn’t put myself through the process because of the stress it would have caused me….

[Cool-human]

Yes you can take Foam ear plugs I have just read. Make them aware at the MRI.. I personally would have the MRI…. Good luck& Cheer up. 🙏

[mrsnosleep]

Hi, I have had two recent MRI scans despite having quite loud, 24/7, tinnitus and both times was fine. My scanning centre gave me foam earplugs as well as ear defenders/over-ear headphones, which meant that the noise wasn't too bad and, as with another poster on this thread, practised deep breathing etc. I also had the choice of having some music piped through the headphones if that helped - so please don't worry too much. Good luck!

[reorosie]

I understand how you feel as I have tinnitus and hyperacusis, I have been told I should have one by ENT but I can’t face it due to the noise of the machine. I really hope all goes well for you , maybe let us know how you go on.

[Thingybobby2356]

I have continuous high level tinnitus and, over the years have had several MRI's without giving any though to my tinnitus, which has shown NO change whatsoever.

[Suz_2]

u can use foam earplugs ( not anything with metallic parts) and they can give you some sort of headphones . I had earplugs and a thick piece of foam next to head both sides as they couldnt give me the Head wear for spine scan. I would say avoid scan if possible or look into alternatives .

[Suz_2]

I had a 40mins MRI scan in April 22 - this did change my T to a more solid tone,higher pitch , louder . I wish i hadnt done it now as there wasnt a serious spine problem. Some people are ok with MRI scan, some people are not . Is yr T the Reactive type and spike/ changes with general noise , anxiety, foods etc etc etc - mine is

[spillthetea]

Yeseterday I me had a MRI and my tinnitus got significantly worse. Solid higher pitched noise like never before. I wish I had not never done it. I wore my customized earplugs plus the ears muffs they gave me. I now have a solid higher pitch tone. And all I have to say was no… I hope this helps to someone else in the future to make the right decision.

[dimov666]

What is the cause of worsening tinnitus from MRI ? Noise alone should not be the reason. I think that the principle is different and earplugs will not help. These are radio waves that pass through the body.

[bournville in reply to dimov666]

Hi my understanding is that the problem is down to the ears exposure to the MRI machines very loud noise over a period of 30 - 45 mins. The majority of MRI machines reach decibels levels well over 100 decibels in operation. The magnetic waves that pass through the body when having an MRI are not the problem.

Thankfully after a bit of digging around i have found a company “Esaote” who manufactures low decibel MRI machines under 75db. These machines are dotted around hospitals in the UK and abroad.

I’ll let everyone here know how I get on as I’m having a scan on one of these in September. Fingers crossed.