MRI Noise in Utero Not Harmful for Baby’s Ears

In pregnant women, MRI is often the modality of choice when imaging is needed. Apparently some people were concerned that the loud noise during MR imaging would hurt the baby’s ears, and researchers at the University of Sheffield have performed a study on the effect that MRI noise has on neonatal cochlear function. A previous study that used a microphone in a volunteer’s fluid-filled stomach already showed that there is an estimated 30 dB reduction in sound intensity in the fetal surroundings compared to the outside world, however the researchers sought definite proof. Ninety-six neonates who had undergone in utero MR imaging underwent a hearing screening assessment. One of them, who had been in the NICU, had bilateral hearing impairment. The prevalence of hearing impairment did not differ from what was expected. For the babies who had not been in the NICU, cochlear response was similar to that in the general population of neonates. When NICU babies were included there was a very small difference in one of the four frequency bands on which cochlear response is measured, comparable to normal variation. The study concludes that pregnant women in their second and third trimesters can safely undergo MRI without worrying about their baby’s ears.
Article abstract in Radiology: Neonatal Cochlear Function: Measurement after Exposure to Acoustic Noise during in Utero MR Imaging…
Image credit: Boltron…