“The intense magnetic field in the MRI scanner may harm the patient — dislocate the cochlear implant magnet, change the magnet’s polarity, and induce pain and discomfort at the implant site,” explained Dr. Darius Kohan, chief of otology/neurotology at Lenox Hill Hospital and the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in New York City.
Dr. Kohan is one of the world’s leading Otology/Neurotology specialists. He is often sought after for his expertise in a highly technical field. Here Dr. Kohan was quoted on some experiences patients of cochlear implants surgery might go through.
THURSDAY, Nov. 20, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Some people with cochlear implants experience pain, discomfort and problems with the implant’s internal magnet when they undergo an MRI scan, a new study finds.
According to background information supplied by the researchers, about 300,000 people worldwide have cochlear implants, devices which provide a sense of sound to people who are deaf or have severe hearing loss. There have been prior reports of problems among people with cochlear implants when undergoing MRI.
One expert said the problem is well-known among clinicians who care for the hearing-impaired.
“The intense magnetic field in the MRI scanner may harm the patient — dislocate the cochlear implant magnet, change the magnet’s polarity, and induce pain and discomfort at the implant site,” explained Dr. Darius Kohan, chief of otology/neurotology at Lenox Hill Hospital and the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in New York City.
“Patients must be carefully counseled prior to the MRI study to understand the possible consequences and manage their expectations,” he said.
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