Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print MRI machines may damage cochlear implants

MRI machines may damage cochlear implants

December 01, 2008

Alexandria, VA - Patients with cochlear implants may want to steer clear of certain magnetic imaging devices, such as 3T MRI machines, because the machines can demagnetize the patient's implant, according to new research published in the December 2008 issue of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

A cochlear implant is an electronic device that restores partial hearing to the deaf. It is surgically implanted in the inner ear and activated by a device worn outside the ear. Unlike a hearing aid, it does not make sound louder or clearer. Instead, the device bypasses damaged parts of the auditory system and directly stimulates the nerve of hearing, allowing individuals who are profoundly hearing impaired to receive sound. It is estimated that more than 100,000 people have cochlear implants.




The study, conducted by a team of German and American researchers, tested several cochlear device magnets on a 3T MRI scanner with active shielding at a variety of angles (0°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, and 180°). The researchers discovered that during routine use of 3T MRI machines at angles above 80°, an unacceptable level of demagnetization was reached, causing permanent damage to devices with non-removable magnets, and creating the potential of exposing patients to undesirable magnetic forces.

3T MRI scanners are the next generation of MRI scanners and are significantly more powerful than 1.5T MRI scanners.

As a result of their findings, the study authors recommend that MRI scans on patients with cochlear implants should be performed using a 3T MRI machine only if a 1.5T machine is not available, and if the benefits of the scan far outweigh the risk of cochlear implant demagnetization.

American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery



Related Cochlear Current Events and Cochlear News Articles Cochlear Current Events and Cochlear News RSS Cochlear Current Events and Cochlear News RSS
Now hear this
Deep in the ear, 95 percent of the cells that shuttle sound to the brain are big, boisterous neurons that, to date, have explained most of what scientists know about how hearing works.

Nanoelectronic transistor combined with biological machine could lead to better electronics
If manmade devices could be combined with biological machines, laptops and other electronic devices could get a boost in operating efficiency.

One step closer to an artificial nerve cell
Scientists at the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet and Linköping University are well on the way to creating the first artificial nerve cell that can communicate specifically with nerve cells in the body using neurotransmitters.

UGA researchers achieve breakthrough in effort to develop tiny biological fuel cells
University of Georgia researchers have developed a successful way to grow molecular wire brushes that conduct electrical charges, a first step in developing biological fuel cells that could power pacemakers, cochlear implants and prosthetic limbs. The journal Chemical Science calls the technique "a significant breakthrough for nanotechnology."

Drawing inspiration from nature to build a better radio
MIT engineers have built a fast, ultra-broadband, low-power radio chip, modeled on the human inner ear, that could enable wireless devices capable of receiving cell phone, Internet, radio and television signals.

Scripps research scientists discover molecular defect involved in hearing loss
Scientists from The Scripps Research Institute have elucidated the action of a protein, harmonin, which is involved in the mechanics of hearing.

Researchers Studying Hearing Loss in Adult Animals Find that Auditory Regions of the Brain Convert to the Sense of Touch
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine researchers have discovered that adult animals with hearing loss actually re-route the sense of touch into the hearing parts of the brain.

NYU Langone Medical Center study shows that cochlear implant surgery is safe for the elderly
Contrary to conventional medical wisdom, a new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers shows that healthy elderly patients with severe to profound hearing loss can undergo a surgical procedure to receive cochlear implants with minimal risk.

New tool to assess speech development in infants, toddlers with hearing impairments
The number of hearing impaired infants and toddlers who are successfully aided by technological devices, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, continues to grow, but there are still unknowns about these children's speaking abilities, according to a Purdue University expert.

Geriatric patients receive significant benefit from cochlear implantation
Despite previous inconclusive research, geriatric patients do experience significant quality of life improvement (QOL) after receiving cochlear implants for hearing loss, says new research presented at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Chicago, IL.
More Cochlear Current Events and Cochlear News Articles
Cochlear Implants: Principles and Practices

Cochlear Implants: Principles and Practices
by John K Niparko (Editor)

Cochlear Implants are prosthetic replacements for the inner ear and are only appropriate for people who receive minimal or no benefit from conventional hearing aids. Part of the devise is surgically implanted in the skull behind the ear and tiny wires are inserted into the cochlear. The other part of the devise is external and has a microphone, a speech processor and connecting cables. This book is a textbook that covers the scientific principles behind the device, the technology, how to assess candidates, how to implant the devices and what rehabilitation makes the most sense. The editor is the best known person in this field. One reviewer said "there is not smarter man in the world than Niparko."

From Silence to Sound

From Silence to Sound
Starring: Justin Garrett, Davina Garrett
Directed By: Chase Matthews
Also With: Jenine Mayring (Producer), Chase Matthews Jenine Mayring (Writer)

WITNESS THE MIRACLE AS A DEAF MAN HEARS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT AGE 27

Director Chase Matthews offers this moving documentary about Justin Garrett, a completely deaf young man who, in 2006, agreed to undergo radical cochlear implant surgery that could possibly make him hear for the first time. Matthews follows Justin as he prepares for, submits to and recovers from the high-stakes surgery. Success will reverse Justin's condition, but failure will irrevocably destine him to a lifetime of total silence.

DVD bonus features include the trailer and, exclusive to the DVD, behind-the-scenes interviews with director Chase Matthews, producer Jenine Mayring, and executive producer Jack Polachek, as well as a Q&A session after the Los Angeles premiere with Justin Garrett. English...

10 Packs (60 Batteries) I Cell Tech Size 675 Cochlear Implant Batteries! 60 Batteries

10 Packs (60 Batteries) I Cell Tech Size 675 Cochlear Implant Batteries! 60 Batteries
by I Cell Tech

Premium hearing aid batteries, designed for today's high tech digital hearing aids. Provides some of the longest lasting batteries. Shelf life 2 1/2 to 3 years from date of purchase. iCellTech's new generation of hearing aid Batteries are specially designed to operate longer life time in high current drain applications maintaining higher operating voltage and an increased voltage reserve for todays cochlear implant devices.

Hear Again: Back to Life with a Cochlear Implant

Hear Again: Back to Life with a Cochlear Implant
by Arlene Romoff (Author)

"This is a wonderful book for audiolgists, audiology students and for people
interested in hearing loss and cochlear implants. Ms Romoff is able to describe the issues related to not hearing and to learning to hear again. It is a wonderfully inspirational story that should be a must for every audiologist and physician working with families affected by hearing loss." --Jane R. Madell, PhD, Director, Hearing and Learning Center, Beth Israel Medical Center and Professor, Clinical Otolaryngology

".a great pleasure.Arlene's perspicacity, sensitivity, and shining good humor come through on each page.the doors of your perception open."--Karen and Gene Wilder.

".will enrich the lives of many."--Richard Herring, director, New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of...

  o Clarity o - Cochlear Adapter Cord
by o Clarity o

- Clarity adapter cord for Cochlear implant- 3.5mm plugs to connect to the Q90DU, XL25S, XL30, XL40, XL50, VCO, JV35, CL40, Q90DA, and Q90DUCLARITY10050 - Usually Categorized as Clarity : Audio/Video/Electronics : General Electronics

  Energizer Cochlear Implant Battery-(Specific for Cochlear Implants), Size 675, 6-Count Pack
by Energizer



Cochlear Implants for Kids

Cochlear Implants for Kids
by Warren Estabrooks (Editor)



  Cecilia's Story (Cochlear Implant Documentary)
Also With: Advanced Bionics (Producer)

This documentary chronicles Cecilia's life from infancy to her 8th birthday, a highly personal portrait of one cochlear implant recipiant and her family.

10 Packs (60 Batteries) Power One Cochlear Implant Batteries! 60 Batteries

10 Packs (60 Batteries) Power One Cochlear Implant Batteries! 60 Batteries
by Power One

The new power one IMPLANT plus: NEW: + 20 % longer running time in comparison to previous version Best performance for high drain CIs The only battery recommended by CochlearTM Market and technology leader for CI batteries

School Professionals Working With Children With Cochlear Implants

School Professionals Working With Children With Cochlear Implants
by Mary Ellen Nevins Patricia M. Chute (Author)

This new book is a comprehensive resource for school-based professionals who work with the increasing number of children with cochlear implants. Focusing on giving the reader critical background information, the well-known authors begin with the history, technology, and functionality of cochlear implants. They cover the changes seen in the populations now utilizing these devices and describe how the impact of having an implant can affect a child. Finally, they highlight how the clinician and team providing services can best address each child’s individual needs. Special consideration is given to the multidisciplinary team and the culture of collaboration: handling the effects of family influence and participation, issues of special populations (such as non-English-speaking parents),...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com