Abstract
PurposeMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to visualize and diagnose soft tissues. Hearing implant (HI) recipients are likely to require at least one MRI scan during their lifetime. However, the MRI scanner can interact with the implant magnet, resulting in complications for the HI recipient. This survey, which was conducted in two phases, aimed to evaluate the safety and performance of MRI scans for individuals with a HI manufactured by MED-EL (MED-EL GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria).MethodsA survey was developed and distributed in two phases to HEARRING clinics to obtain information about the use of MRI for recipients of MED-EL devices. Phase 1 focused on how often MRI is used in diagnostic imaging of the head region of the cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Phase 2 collected safety information about MRI scans performed on HI recipients.Results106 of the 126 MRI scans reported in this survey were performed at a field strength of 1.5 T, on HI recipients who wore the SYNCHRONY CI or SYNCHRONY ABI. The head and spine were the most frequently imaged regions. 123 of the 126 scans were performed without any complications; two HI recipients experienced discomfort/pain. One recipient required reimplantation after an MRI was performed using a scanner that had not been approved for that implant. There was only one case that required surgical removal of the implant to reduce the imaging artefact.ConclusionIndividuals with either a SYNCHRONY CI or SYNCHRONY ABI from MED-EL can safely undergo a 1.5 T MRI when it is performed according to the manufacturer’s safety policies and procedures.
Highlights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a commonly used, non-invasive imaging modality for diagnostics
The results showed that computed tomography (CT) and MRI were both used to image the head region of cochlear implant (CI) recipients
Twelve clinics were aware of radiologists who refused to perform an MRI of the head region on a CI recipient and 12 clinics were unaware of such cases occurring
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a commonly used, non-invasive imaging modality for diagnostics. Unlike other imaging modalities that are typically found in a radiology department, such as X-ray or computed tomography (CT), MRI scanners do not use ionizing radiation to obtain an image. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio frequency energy [1]. It was reported that 119 per 1000 people in Germany had an MRI scan between 2014 and 2018 [2]. The number of MRI scans being performed are continually increasing due to technological advancements and expanding indications. Hearing implant (HI) recipients are likely to require at least one MRI scan in their lifetime. With people receiving a HI at a younger age and considering the possibility of additional health complications that are associated with hearing loss, such as diseases of the inner
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
