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Home > Services > Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) > MRI Frequently Asked Questions > Why is the MRI so loud?

Why is the MRI so loud?

Inside the scanner are coils of metallic wire. When electricity passes through the coils, a magnetic field is created and the coils vibrate. The sound the MRI makes is the metal coils vibrating and banging together inside the machine, creating a very strong magnetic field. The sound may reach up to 100 Decibels, so patients are required to use ear protection. We also have a sound system so the patient may enjoy music through headphones while being scanned.

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