Abstract
Objective: To review information on MRI safety for commonly used otologic implants including cochlear implants, middle ear implantable hearing devices, osseointegrated cochlear stimulators, and middle ear prosthetic devices.
Method: A literature review of the National Library of Medicine’s online database was performed with focus on MRI safety of routinely used implanted hearing devices. Manufacturing companies were contacted for devices with no information on MRI safety in the literature.
Results: The Baha system and Ponto Pro osseointegrated implants’ abutment and fixture, middle ear ossicular reconstruction prosthetic devices, and all stapes prosthetic devices except for the 1987 McGee prosthesis are safe to use in standard MRI fields. Cochlear implants with removable magnets such as the newer Cochlear Americas Implants and the HiResolution Bionic Ear System’s HiRes 90K can be used in standard MRI fields. MED-EL cochlear implants can be used in low MRI magnetic fields up to 0.2T. All other cochlear implants, middle ear implantable hearing devices, and the Sophono device are not approved for MRI use.
Conclusion: MRI safety status of otologic implants depends on their magnetic potential. Knowledge of the MRI safety guidelines for the commonly used otologic implants is important. United States guidelines on MRI safety and compatibility are not always the same as in Europe and other parts of the world.
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