In:
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Acoustical Society of America (ASA), Vol. 127, No. 3_Supplement ( 2010-03-01), p. 1839-1839
Abstract:
MRI scanner noise can cause discomfort and potential damage to human hearing. MRI is used extensively in animal research and, increasingly, as a diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine, generally with no hearing protection. Effects of noise could be detrimental for research animals that will be used after scanning or for companion animals that will be returned to owners. Though safe exposure standards have not been determined for most animals, it is important to consider that animals exposed to scanner noise may suffer hearing damage. To study potential animal MRI adverse hearing effects, we measured sound levels produced by several animal scanning protocols in a commercial 3T scanner. Using hearing threshold data for research or companion animals, we estimate weighted sound pressure levels and compare these to levels at which damage occurs in humans. SPLs were above 90 dB on many scans and often exceeded 100 dB. Animals may be exposed to these levels intermittently for 1 h or more. Exposure to these sound levels could result in temporary or permanent hearing loss. Thus, it is important to use hearing protection, quieter pulse sequences, or quieter scanners for animal research or companion animal veterinary MRI.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0001-4966
,
1520-8524
Language:
English
Publisher:
Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
Publication Date:
2010
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1461063-2
detail.hit.zdb_id:
219231-7
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