Hearing Aids and Other Hearing Systems

External hearing aids are included in the category of electronically-activated devices that may be found in patients referred for MR procedures. Exposure to the magnetic fields used for MR examinations can easily damage these devices. Therefore, a patient or other individual with an external hearing aid must not enter the MR environment. Fortunately, to prevent damage, an external hearing aid can be readily identified and removed from the patient or individual prior to permitting entrance to the MR system room.

Other hearing devices may have external components as well as pieces that are surgically implanted. Hearing devices with external and internal components may be especially problematic for patients and individuals in the MR environment. Accordingly, patients and individuals with these particular hearing devices may not be allowed into the MRI environment because of the risk of damaging the components. The manufacturers of these devices should be contacted for current MRI information.

For information on other hearing systems, refer to the sections: Baha, Bone Conduction Implant, Cochlear Implants, and InSound XT Series and Lyric Hearing Device


[For these devices, MR healthcare professionals are advised to contact the respective manufacturer to ensure that the latest safety information is obtained and carefully followed in order to ensure patient safety relative to the use of an MR procedure.]

REFERENCES

Shellock FG. Pocket Guide to MR Procedures and Metallic Objects: Update 2001, Seventh Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Healthcare, Philadelphia, 2001.

Shellock FG. Reference Manual For Magnetic Resonance Safety, Implants, and Devices: 2010 Edition. Biomedical Research Publishing Group, Los Angeles, CA, 2010

Shellock FG. Magnetic Resonance Procedures: Health Effects and Safety. CRC Press, LLC, Boca Raton, FL, 2001.

Shellock FG, Kanal E. Magnetic Resonance: Bioeffects, Safety, and Patient Management. Second Edition, Lippincott-Raven Press, New York, 1996.