Many people have had an M.R.I. to help diagnose a health problem. I had my second one yesterday. I was again amazed that modern technology could produce such a marvelous diagnostic device. But, why does it have to be so terribly noisy? Surely some sort of sound proofing, or at least sound deadening, could be used that would not interfere with the magnetic imaging. Are newer M.R.I. machines any quieter than earlier models?

MRI, or Magnetic resonance imaging, is a diagnostic device that uses very large magnets, which produce a loud, thumping sound when is use. The noise is caused by the magnets moving. Patients may be given earplugs or allowed to wear music headphones to help relax and soften the noise of the machine. Innovations in this technology include using stronger magnets and lessening the noise, but eliminating the noise does not appear to be in the near future. For instance, early this year Hitachi announced a new open MRI device, but according to their press release “…As with other MRI systems, the Oasis does produce significant noise, although … additional insulation was added to mitigate that thumping noise that characterizes this technology.”

For more information on MRI:

• National Institute for Health’s Medline, a definition of MRI
• Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI explaining how it works and why it works.

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