Evaluation of the impact of magnetic resonance imaging device noise on hearing in radiology technicians: A comparative study with a control group

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of exposure to high levels of acoustic noise generated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) devices on the auditory system of radiology technicians working with such equipment. The sounds produced during the operation of MRI devices can exceed 100 dB and, with prolonged exposure, may lead to irreversible cochlear damage. In this context, the aim of the study was to assess the cochlear functions of radiology technicians working with MRI devices by comparing them with a healthy control group of similar age and professional background who do not work with MRI. The study included 34 radiology technicians aged between 21 and 48 years, and 32 control group participants aged between 21 and 45 years. All participants underwent comprehensive audiological evaluations. These evaluations included Pure-Tone Audiometry, High-Frequency Audiometry, Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE), Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE), and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Additionally, 15-minute noise measurements were conducted in the MRI rooms where the technicians worked, and the peak instantaneous sound level was found to reach up to 105.1 dB. When comparing the MRI technicians to the control group, no statistically significant differences were found in the TEOAE and DPOAE results. However, significant differences were observed in the results of Pure-Tone Audiometry and High-Frequency Audiometry. In Pure-Tone Audiometry, threshold shifts were observed at 500 Hz (ear closer to the door p-value = 0.0295; ear farther from the door p-value = 0.0046) and at 1000 Hz (ear closer to the door p-value = 0.0469; ear farther from the door p-value = 0.0008) in both ears. Within the study group, when comparing the ear closer to the MRI room door with the opposite ear, asymmetric threshold shifts were observed at 4000 Hz (p-value = 0.0274), 6000 Hz (p-value = 0.0497), and 8000 Hz (p-value = 0.0478). In the High-Frequency Audiometry results, significant differences were observed between the study and control groups in the ear closer to the door at 10,000 Hz (p-value = 0.0405), 12,500 Hz (p-value = 0.0273), 14,000 Hz (p-value = 0.0075), 16,000 Hz (p-value = 0.0002), and 18,000 Hz (p-value = 0.0144), and in the ear farther from the door at 16,000 Hz (p-value = 0.0049). Furthermore, within the study group, an asymmetric threshold shift was detected at 16,000 Hz (p-value = 0.0345) when comparing the two ears. In conclusion, long-term exposure to MRI device noise in radiology technicians may result in hearing loss, particularly at high frequencies. These findings highlight the necessity of implementing noise control measures and promoting the use of hearing protection equipment to preserve the auditory health of personnel working in clinical environments.