Can You Get an MRI with a Cochlear Implant? Here’s the Truth.
If you or your child is considering a cochlear implant, you’ve likely asked:
“Will I still be able to get an MRI if I need one?”
It’s a smart and important question.
MRIs are one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in healthcare. From brain scans to orthopaedic imaging, they’re often essential. But for people with cochlear implants, the strong magnetic fields involved can pose challenges—especially if the implant’s design isn’t optimised for MRI compatibility.
At Cochlear Implants by The Listening Lab, we help patients across Singapore choose cochlear implants that are safe, reliable, and future-ready. That’s why we proudly offer Advanced Bionics’ HiRes™ Ultra 3D—a system specifically engineered for safe, pain-free MRI access without surgical magnet removal.
The Real Challenge: Magnets and MRI Machines
Cochlear implants work by using a small internal magnet to hold the external sound processor in place. However, when exposed to an MRI machine’s powerful magnetic field, this internal magnet can:
- Dislodge or rotate, causing discomfort or damage
- Interfere with image quality
- Require surgical removal before the scan
These risks have historically limited MRI access for implant recipients, forcing some patients to avoid scans altogether or undergo additional surgery just to get the imaging they need.
The Advanced Bionics Solution: HiRes™ Ultra 3D
Enter the HiRes™ Ultra 3D cochlear implant by Advanced Bionics. Unlike traditional systems that use a single, fixed magnet, this implant features a multi-magnet assembly that can rotate freely in three dimensions.
What does this mean for you?
- MRI compatibility up to 3.0T, without needing to remove the magnet
- Up to 200 MRI scans with no impact on magnet performance or alignment¹⁰
- Significantly reduced torque and pain during scans⁹
- No need for awkward head positioning or additional padding
In short, it’s MRI-friendly by design.
Comparing Other Cochlear Implant Brands
Here’s how Advanced Bionics stacks up against leading competitors:
| Feature | Advanced Bionics (HiRes Ultra 3D) | Cochlear (Nucleus Profile Plus) | MED-EL (Synchrony 2) |
| Magnet Design | Rotates in 3D | Single disc, rotates in 2D | Single disc, rotates in 2D |
| MRI Approval | Up to 200 MRIs at 1.5T/3.0T | 10 MRIs (FDA) | Not clearly specified |
| Need for Magnet Removal | Rarely | Possible (off-axis limitations¹²) | Not clearly specified |
| Torque & Pain Risk | Very Low⁹ | Higher⁸ | Variable⁸ |
Advanced Bionics’ innovative magnet system was developed to reduce discomfort and avoid complications, even in high-strength MRI environments.
What to Expect During an MRI with a Cochlear Implant
If you have a HiRes™ Ultra 3D cochlear implant, undergoing an MRI is straightforward:
- Inform your radiologist about your cochlear implant.
- Verify implant type and compatibility (we provide this information at Cochlear Implants by The Listening Lab).
- Undergo the scan as normal—no need for magnet removal surgery, special helmets, or positioning tricks.
- Post-scan check-up (optional) to confirm magnet integrity.
This level of ease and safety simply isn’t guaranteed with all implants—so choosing the right system matters from the start.
FAQs About Cochlear Implants and MRI Safety
Q: Can children with implants have MRIs too?
Yes. The HiRes™ Ultra 3D is MRI-compatible for both adults and children, with no age-based restrictions.
Q: What happens if I need frequent MRIs?
Advanced Bionics implants are approved for repeated MRI scans (up to 200 times), offering unmatched long-term convenience.
Q: Will the implant interfere with the MRI images?
Minimal image distortion is possible near the implant site, but this is manageable with proper radiology protocols.
Conclusion: Choose an Implant That Keeps the Door to MRIs Open
Your cochlear implant shouldn’t limit your access to modern healthcare. Unfortunately, not all systems are created equal when it comes to MRI safety.
By choosing Advanced Bionics’ HiRes™ Ultra 3D through Cochlear Implants by The Listening Lab, you’re investing in:
- Greater medical freedom
- Fewer surgical procedures
- Peace of mind for the future
Schedule your consultation with Cochlear Implants by The Listening Lab today and let our team guide you toward a cochlear implant solution that’s MRI-ready—just like you.