Average Decibel Levels of a) an MRI and b) Shockwave Lithotripsy?

[Mystery Reader]

Hey, folks!
Hope you're all doing well!

I have a question about medical testing/procedures that maybe someone can answer, or link me to the information. Does anyone know the approximate decibel levels of a) an MRI and b) shockwave lithotripsy?

Thanks!

Mystery Reader

 

[Digital Doc]

For MRI's in one study it is 82 to 118 dB, so quite variable between different scanners.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11169836

Shockwave lithotripsy hits 112 dB.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3586138

Bottom line is both have potential to be hazardous even with hearing protection.

 

[Bill Bauer]

Does anyone know the approximate decibel levels of a) an MRI

The quietest ones are loud enough to have caused permanent spikes for some people here.

 

[Mystery Reader]

@Digital Doc @Bill Bauer

Thank you both for taking the time to respond!

Mystery Reader

 

[Bill Bauer]

Thank you both for taking the time to respond!

The risk is probably low. The majority of people who get an MRI seem to be ok. However, the risk is definitely there. I know a number of people on this forum who got a permanent spike or tinnitus that doesn't seem to fade as a result of having an MRI (and of course many get an MRI and are completely fine)...

 

[lymebite]

Most people seem to be okay with MRIs but there are quite a number of horror stories. One is at the link below in PEOPLE Magazine. I know the person well, she's not exaggerating what happened to her.

I would recommend caution to everyone - avoid MRI unless really necessary, if it is necessary, seek out one of the new quieter ones such as GE Silent Scan (not really silent, but a lot quieter), and wear MRI-safe earplugs and earmuffs.

Texas Woman Warns Others After Loud MRI Permanently Damages Her Ears: 'I Live a Life of Misery'

https://people.com/health/texas-woman-mri-ear-damage/

 

[Digital Doc]

I think just about all the foam earplugs are MRI compatible, except for some ones used in the food industry that are designed to be detectable as they contain metal. However, most consumers will not ever use these.

 

[lymebite]

I think just about all the foam earplugs are MRI compatible

I think that's right, though recently I have seen a lot of posts about titanium earplugs. So for fans of titanium earplugs (or any other ones made of metal), they'd of course need to get the regular foam or silicone type for an MRI.

 

[MRItechssuck]

Please avoid MRIs if you can! My tinnitus was habituated from 15 years ago and now it rages because Imhad a tech that was clueless, but so was I.

I had a back injury and they wanted an MRI, I had one years prior and didn't remember the noise like this. Awful noise, and the headset they gave me didn't do anything. The tech didn't give me a call button so I was stuck.

This MRI was terribly loud, and now I wake up at 0400 with screaming in my head. I wish the tech had to go through what she has put me through. The worst part is, they had earplugs to offer....but I found this out after.

She actually said, "well now you know how loud it is for next time!" Never a next time for me. Good luck.

 

[Digital Doc]

Please avoid MRIs if you can! My tinnitus was habituated from 15 years ago and now it rages because Imhad a tech that was clueless, but so was I.

I had a back injury and they wanted an MRI, I had one years prior and didn't remember the noise like this. Awful noise, and the headset they gave me didn't do anything. The tech didn't give me a call button so I was stuck.

This MRI was terribly loud, and now I wake up at 0400 with screaming in my head. I wish the tech had to go through what she has put me through. The worst part is, they had earplugs to offer....but I found this out after.

She actually said, "well now you know how loud it is for next time!" Never a next time for me. Good luck.

Sucky advice for earplugs next time, and they should know better- a lot better. Yes, that tech should get a taste of her own medicine so to speak.