Hearing loss after MRI

Posted by julianneyoung @julianneyoung, Nov 21, 2023

I had a 15 minute MRI yesterday and experienced very noticeable hearing loss afterwards. (I already wear hearing aids for congenital bilateral hearing loss.). My ears feel “full” and sound is muffled. I did wear ear plugs and have had MRI before without this happening. It seems slightly better this morning but even my hearing aids turned all the way up doesn’t help much. As a matter of fact, wearing my aids is uncomfortable right now. Has anyone else had this happen? I am not sure what to do. Should I go see my PCP, is this likely temporary and is there anything I can do to help matters?

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dloos | @dloos | Jan 2 10:19am

In reply to @604kevinc "How are you doing now? It’s been about 1 month since your post. I recently had..." + (show)

I am not doing well. My hearing never recovered, and in fact is still worsening.
I am in treatment at an Integrative medical clinic that treats long Covid issues. It took me months to get an appointment. I’m not sure how much they can help me, but at least they acknowledge my issues. It seems like it’s a long recovery, if recovery is possible. I don’t have much hope for my hearing.
My symptoms are still ear pressure with muffled hearing, dizziness, tinnitus, hyperacusis and blurry vision. I also have swollen nasal passages and extreme constipation. The perception issues are the hardest for me. I try to rest, walk a little, eat as well as I can. I’m having vitamin infusions, and I take some supplements.
?? It’s a mystery. I hope I will recover some of my health some day.

julianneyoung | @julianneyoung | Jan 2 11:21am

In reply to @dloos "I am not doing well. My hearing never recovered, and in fact is still worsening. I..." + (show)

Oh my, that’s a lot to deal with. I hope you can get some answers and get to feeling better soon.

julianneyoung | @julianneyoung | Jan 2 11:23am

In reply to @604kevinc "I’m sorry :(. My hearing also isn’t what it was , I’m feeling very depressed about..." + (show)

“Muffleness” has improved some.

dloos | @dloos | Jan 2 11:30am

In reply to @julianneyoung "Oh my, that’s a lot to deal with. I hope you can get some answers and..." + (show)

Thank you. Yes, it’s a lot to deal with. Some days I cope, some days I cannot, like many people posting.

604kevinc | @604kevinc | Jan 5 10:10am

In reply to @julianneyoung "“Muffleness” has improved some." + (show)

Ok. Please get better I’ll say a prayer for you . I went to church yesterday because of the clicking in my ears and muffleness and fullness

604kevinc | @604kevinc | Jan 5 10:13am

In reply to @dloos "I am not doing well. My hearing never recovered, and in fact is still worsening. I..." + (show)

Ok. I also am having some of the same symptoms you are having. I have ear pressure and ear fullness . I also have muffled hearing . I hear clicking in my ears as well 😞😞😞😞😞😞😞. I’ll keep you in my prayers please get better

dloos | @dloos | Jan 5 11:00am

In reply to @604kevinc "Ok. I also am having some of the same symptoms you are having. I have ear..." + (show)

Thank you❤️

604kevinc | @604kevinc | Jan 5 11:04am

In reply to @dloos "Thank you❤️" + (show)

No problem ♥️

pache | @pache | Jan 6 1:03pm

I had a Brain MRI last Feb… I was not even home before the loudest hissing started. I called my insurance nurse and she said it happens to some people, but should not remain. Mine is HORRIBLE 10 1/2 mo’s later accompanied with head tremors, constant Tinnitus and extremely serious Vertigo! I had some hearing loss before and have had new tests which show hearing loss, but I have not compared the two tests. (New test from 2023 and old from 2015) I have learned a couple of lessons from all my research and the most important is that I will live with these constant problems for the rest of my life…Most likely the cause was the lack of responsibility at the Radiology Clinic I went to. Hearing protection is absolutely necessary, but the ear plugs MUST be used correctly! The sponge plugs rolled up pencil size so they can fit tightly in your ears! Ear muffs are also an added protection. My radiologist handed me the foam earplugs and said, “Put these in your ears!” No guidance regarding proper use! Everyone or most people have some occasional “ear ringing,” but my LOUD constant “hissing” developed AFTER my MRI! It is worse at night disrupting my sleep and costing me co-pays to see specialists! Forgot to mention with a Brain MRI, you may end up with more damage due to the closeness of the machine to the ears!

dloos | @dloos | Jan 6 7:23pm

In reply to @pache "I had a Brain MRI last Feb… I was not even home before the loudest hissing..." + (show)

Same here. Hurried into the MRI machine with no forewarning on the very loud noises to be endured for 45 minutes (in my case). I did not have tinnitus or hyperacusis before having MRI. They asked me if I suffered from claustrophobia, but didn’t mention the noise.
The ear plugs were too large for my ears, and I was rushed, so they were not properly placed.
I have been enduring these new conditions for over a year now. No improvement.
Very irresponsible behavior from all at a Kaiser ER facility.
I am no longer with Kaiser, but the damage is done.