• Object ID: 00000018WIA30C9B770GYZ
  • Topic ID: id_40023680 Version: 1.7
  • Date: Jul 26, 2022 12:29:30 PM

Protect the patient's eyes and ears

About this task

Hearing protection is required. During a scan, all persons in the scan room are required to wear proper hearing protection to avoid possible hearing impairment. Acoustic levels may exceed 99dBA. Properly worn hearing protection is required for all people in the magnet room during a scan, including any MR workers.

Patients must close his or her eyes when the alignment light is on during positioning. Follow these guidelines to ensure proper eye and ear protection for your patient.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Provide the patient with hearing protection.
    • Earplugs or a headphone system with stereo music. For details, see Acoustic Noise.
      • Earplugs reduce the intensity of the sound, while allowing your patient to hear normal conversations.
      • Headphone systems soften acoustic noise, but may impede verbal communication with patients while the system is operating.
        Table 1. Disposable ear protection
        DescriptiondB
        E8801BA EAR Disposable Foam Earplugs29
        E8801BB EAR Taperfit2 Foam Earplugs32
        E8801BC Max-Lite Foam Earplugs30
  2. Make sure that the hearing protection device is worn properly.
    • Earplugs should be comfortable for the patient and inserted fully. Pliable earplugs compress when they are rolled between the fingers and conform to the ear after they are inserted.
      Figure 1. Hearing protection
    • The headphone system should be audible and comfortable for the patient.
  3. Instruct the patient to close his or her eyes when the alignment light is on.
    • The Laser Alignment Lights for patient positioning can cause eye injury.