If your doctor has considered having you take an MRI, you may have heard or read that the MRI machines themselves can be noisy. This is true! MRI machines do make noise while the scan is being run. However, it's nothing that you should worry about, even if you have sensitive ears or are prone to headaches or another condition from loud noises. Here's why you don't have to worry.
You're in No Danger
While MRI machines do make noise, it's not as though they're as loud as a jackhammer or a music concert. MRI machines make noise by necessity, as the machine uses electricity and a magnet to take the images of the body that's being scanned. However, these noises primarily sound like individual thumps, rather than a high-pitched or extremely low-pitched sound. MRI machines wouldn't be used if they were harmful to your health, and in comparison to other methods of looking inside the body that use radiation, like X-rays, you're far safer getting an MRI, as it doesn't produce any.
Ear Protection is Welcomed
Just because a noise isn't dangerous for you doesn't mean that it's necessary pleasant. The good news is, you're more than welcome to bring ear protection of your own. In fact, even if you don't bring any, it's now standard practice during many MRI scans to provide ear plugs to the person who's about to be scanned.
MRI machines do generate a magnetic field, so you won't be able to wear headphones during the scan, as they contain metals that respond to magnets. However, soft silicone earplugs that go inside your ear, or the kind that seals over the ear canal are perfectly fine. If in doubt, ask your doctor or MRI technician. In any case, by wearing earplugs, you can limit the amount of audible noise that you hear and greatly diminish the chance of developing a headache or being bothered by the noise.
Noise Isn't Constant
Finally, if you think that MRI machines emit constant noise, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that's not actually the case. MRI machines pause between scans as the technicians focus on different parts of the body and take pictures at multiple angles. As a result, you can expect the sounds to completely stop in-between each scan. This will provide you with a few seconds up to a few minutes—depending on how complex your MRI is and how many pictures need to be taken—of peace and quiet between the thumping sounds.
MRI machines do make noise, but they aren't a risk to your health and the noise can be almost completely blocked out. If you have further questions about your MRI imaging scan or have concerns, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor, as they've undoubtedly heard similar worries from other patients.
Share8 May 2019
My parents taught me healthy eating habits and I played outside a lot as a kid. Once I was old enough to work, I got a job as a waiter at a restaurant and kept waiting tables throughout high school and college. After college, I got my very first desk job, and my health started declining. I soon realized that even though I had never stepped foot in a gym, I was living a sedentary lifestyle for the first time in my life. I wasn't getting exercise playing outside or running around at work, so I decided to commit to going to the gym. My health began to improve and I now greatly enjoy bodybuilding. I know many other people are in ill health and can't figure out why, so I decided to start a blog to share my health tips and inspire everyone improve their health!