Further Studies on the Effects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fields on Middle Ear Implants

Abstract

We investigated the effects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fields on 21 stapedectomy prostheses and other middle ear implants and two different receiver-stimulator modules from 22-channel cochlear implants. None of the middle ear implants was displaced by the magnetic field, except for one platinum–stainless steel stapedectomy piston. Magnetism was not induced in any of the middle ear implants subjected to prolonged exposure in the MRI scanner. We conclude that MRI could pose a hazard to patients who have had stapedectomy using certain platinum–stainless steel piston prostheses and to patients with cochlear implants. Magnetic resonance imaging should pose no hazard to patients who have had the other middle ear implants reported on in this and our previous investigation.