Hearing loss after MRI

I've not heard of this happening after an MRI. If anyone has had a similar experience, please let us know about what followed.

You may want to consult with whomever recommended the MRI. Was it your PCP?

I developed tinnitus right after an MRI. Tinnitus is caused by hearing loss. My hearing loss is only in the high ranges. I think it is possible you had some hearing loss but it may be temporary. My experience is that it can go back to what it was but everyone is different. I avoid MRI's which makes medical care difficult!!

ps when the fullness got better, my hearing and tinnitus improved...not all the way of course...but the fullness is always temporary and affects my hearing- hope that is hopeful!

Thank you. Surprisingly no Tinnitus but I hope you are right and the loss is temporary! I, too, will now avoid MRI. I also will look into ear protection in addition to the earplugs should MRI be unavoidable.

Thank you. It was actually a spinal surgeon who recommended the MRI. BUT, I did go to my PCP yesterday and am being treated with steroids and allergy meds. Nobody I talked to has heard of this happen but I did find it online. It’s obviously very unusual.

If you were wearing your aids during your MRI they could have affected the program in your hearing aids. Have a hearing aid program evaluation.

This happened to me back in 2022 with a brain scan, despite both foam earplugs and earmuffs. I had never worn earplugs, so didn’t know how to insert them properly. The tech offered no instruction. Then he put the earmuffs on me and must have dislodged the fit when he put the restraining device around my head. The test was only 5 minutes. I was suffering from a severe claustrophobia attack and wasn’t focused on how loud it was. I was merely counting down the seconds so that I wouldn’t have to interrupt the scan and start over.

When it was finished, my right ear was very full, and I noticed hearing loss. I made an urgent appointment with a new ENT because I read that loss could be somewhat reversed if steroids are given within approx. two weeks. But the ENT said he’d never heard of MRI-related hearing loss, and decided my problem must be something else. Despite my pleas, he treated me for ETD and sent me on my way even though the audiology test showed some loss in my right ear. By the time I could secure a second-opinion appt with a different doc, I had passed the two-week point. The second doc gave me steroids anyway but told me not to expect much, given the timing.

The worst part was that I developed hyperacusis within days of this trauma. Hyperacusis has badly affected my life as I live in a major city that is very loud. I can’t go outside without earplugs nor do simple tasks, like emptying the dishwasher, without earmuffs on. The only positive is that my hyperacusis has gotten marginally better over the past 18 months, but I will likely never be able to go outside without ear protection.

Newer MRIs keep getting louder and louder. Medical journals have, indeed, published articles about MRI-related hearing loss. For any hearing expert to say they’ve never heard about this problem is astounding. They’re either not doing their homework or living in convenient denial, IMO.

I’m glad to hear you’ve pursued appropriate treatment. Best of luck to you.

Pleased to know that your PCP recommended steroid treatment. While this reaction to an MRI is unusual, we know that excess noise can cause hearing loss. The MRI team knows that and does all they can to muffle the loud noises an MRI creates. I hope the treatment you are receiving helps you.

Noise related hearing loss is common. It's generally the result of noise experienced over time such as in a workplace or can be from a sudden burst of extreme noise. Some people are more susceptible to hearing loss from noise based on their genetics. Hearing protection isn't something people think about as much as they should until hearing loss changes their life. So much education is needed.

The MRI cause is unique. But people should be aware of it.

@cudabinacontenda I also got hyperacusis, but not as badly as you. Yard work in the community, especially leaf blowers, is torture. I have noise-cancelling ear phones but they are not 100%.

I went to at least three doctors trying to get steroids and noone would give them to me in the time frame.

I hope things improve for you!

We know that excessive noise will cause hearing loss. We also know that those MRI machines can be loud. To make matters worse, we are asked if we want music played during the MRI. In order to hear the music, we'd like it loud enough to overcome the sound of the machine. I just wear earplugs and skip the headphones. There may be times that the technician wants to ask you something, typically "Are you okay?" Always get any instructions before you are placed into the scanner. Let them know how you will respond if you are not comfortable. Such a cue may be to lift your leg, or something similar. This doesn't help AFTER the fact, but you may be better prepared if you ever need to go for another scan.
Tony in Michigan

Thanks to all that have posted a reply so far. I am on day 3 of my 7 day steriod pack. I am finally wearing my hearing aids but they are turned up to full volume with minimal help. I temporarily stopped taking the allergy meds as the package says not to take them with steriods. Tomorrow, I plan to schedule an appointment with my hearing aid provider to get a hearing test and see if the volume threshold can be adjusted. I realize that this loss may be temporary but it is significant enough to cause me to want to stay away from interacting with others in a group. Thankfully, I am retired so my activities are mostly elective.

I feel badly for those whose doctor was not willing to provide the steroids. I don't know if they will help but it's the only therapy I came across online. As for the couple of people who ended up with hyperacusis, it sounds awful. My heart goes out to you.