Effect of 3 T MRI on hair cell function in cochlear implantees

Introduction 

The MRI approval process of implants contains physical observations and the experimental evaluation in artifical settings to simulate the effect in vivo. This contains especially for cochlea implants the observation of temperature changes and current generation by the magnetic fields. Out of this findings the MRI safety state of an implant and its effect on the patient is estimated.

A reevaluation of its approval state based on adverse events afterwards. The in vivo analysis of the effect on different tissues is not further observed.

The effect of an MRI scanning on hair cell function, as the most sensitive indicator of functional effects, is so far unknown.

Aim of the present study was to observe the effect of 3T MRI on the residual hearing of cochlea implantees.

Material and Methods 

In this prospective study we performed a 3 T MRI T2 2D MS Drive sequence in 16 cochlea implantees ears the day after surgery. Directly before and after the MRI scan a PTA was performed. All cochlea implantees had a prescanning substantial degree of low frequency residual hearing between 20 dB and 60 dB.

Results 

Low frequency residual hearing was not affected by 3 T T2 2D MS Drive sequence in all cochlea implantees.

Conclusion 

3 T MRI scanning has no negative effect on hair cell function in cochlea implantees in low frequencies with a T2 2D MS Drive sequence.

Conflict of Interest Der Erstautor weist auf folgenden Interessenkonflikt hin Es erfolgen/erfolgten Unterstützungen des Erstautors durch die Firmen Advanced Bionics, Cochlear und Medel

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022