An MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a medical exam that is conducted to get images of various parts of the body. It is a painless and non-invasive exam that provides high-quality images that can help in the diagnosis of various medical conditions such as tumors or internal injuries. During the exam, the patient has to lie down on a table that slides into a tunnel-like machine that creates a magnetic field around the body. The magnetic field produces a loud noise that can be unsettling for some patients. In this article, we will take a detailed look at what an MRI sounds like and how to deal with it.
What Does an MRI Sound Like?
The noise produced during an MRI is a combination of several sounds that can vary depending on the type of machine used. The sounds can be described as loud, thumping, knocking or tapping. The noise comes from the vibration of the scanner’s internal components, including the gradient coils and the radiofrequency coils, which are used to create images of the body.
What Are the Different Types of MRI Machines?
There are two main types of MRI machines that create different kinds of sounds:
- Closed MRI Machine: This type of MRI machine is a closed machine that creates strong magnetic fields and produces the loudest noise. The sound can be as high as 110 dBA, which is similar to the sound of a jet engine taking off.
- Open MRI Machine: This type of MRI machine is an open machine that is less noisy than the closed MRI machine, and the sound can be around 60-70 dBA, which is similar to the sound level of a conversation.
What Makes the Sound Loud?
The sound produced during an MRI is quite loud due to the following reasons:
- The strong magnetic fields that create the noise by moving metal parts in the machine.
- The vibration of the gradient coils and radiofrequency coils that produce the images of the body.
- The air being displaced by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the magnetic field.
- The machine’s internal components are resonating at specific frequencies that amplify the noise.
How Can You Deal with the Noise During an MRI?
For some patients, the noise produced during an MRI can be quite unsettling, and it is essential to be prepared for it. Here are some tips to help you deal with the noise:
Use Earplugs or Headphones:
One of the best ways to reduce the noise during an MRI is to use earplugs or headphones. The MRI facility will often provide earplugs or headphones that can be worn during the exam. You can also bring your headphones with you and choose to listen to music or white noise during the procedure.
Communicate with the Technologist:
Communication is essential during the MRI procedure. The technologist will be with you and checking on you throughout the exam. If you are feeling uncomfortable or anxious, they can help you by providing you with reassurance and by talking to you throughout the exam.
Relaxation Techniques:
Another way to deal with the noise and anxiety during an MRI is by using relaxation techniques. You can visualize a place or listen to relaxing music that can help you calm down during the exam.
Conclusion
An MRI is a medical exam that produces loud noises that can be unsettling for some patients. The noise produced during an MRI is due to the machine’s internal components resonating at specific frequencies, and the type of machine used also affects the noise level. To deal with the noise during the exam, patients can use earplugs or headphones, communicate with the technologist, or use relaxation techniques. Being prepared and understanding the noise level can help patients to get through the procedure with ease.
Most Common Questions and Their Answers
- What does an MRI sound like?
The noise produced during an MRI can be described as loud, thumping, knocking or tapping. The machine’s internal components resonating at specific frequencies and the type of machine used affect the noise level. - How can I deal with the noise during an MRI?
Patients can use earplugs or headphones, communicate with the technologist or use relaxation techniques to deal with the noise during an MRI. - Why is the noise produced during an MRI so loud?
The strong magnetic fields that create the noise by moving metal parts in the machine, the vibration of the gradient coils and radiofrequency coils that produce the images of the body, the air being displaced by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the magnetic field and the machine’s internal components resonating at specific frequencies all contribute to the loud noise produced during an MRI.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/mri-sound#dealing-with-the-sounds-during-an-mri
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-does-an-mri-look-like
- https://mri.nm.org/patient-resources/what-to-expect-during-your-mri/in-your-machine/