MRI Instructions for MED-EL Cochlear Implants

Whether it’s a routine knee scan at a busy clinic or emergency imaging after a car crash, immediate MRI access is essential. For every cochlear implant recipient, there are additional MRI instructions that need to be followed, but not all cochlear implants offer the same degree of MRI safety.** We understand that for radiologists, having practical conditions and clear instructions is essential for optimal imaging outcomes.

That’s why we’ve designed all MED-EL cochlear implants to provide immediate access to MRI scans in a few simple steps. All MED-EL cochlear implants since 1994 enable access to MRI scans without the need to surgically remove and replace the implant magnet.*** You also do not need to order a specialty splint kit, so there’s no need to delay treatment.

In these short instructional videos, we’ll cover the simple safety conditions that need to be followed for each MED-EL cochlear implant. By following these MRI instructions, you can help ensure your patient has an easy, comfortable MRI scan.

These practical conditions can save time and resources for your clinic, and help provide peace of mind for recipients during an MRI.

Magnet technology made for MRI:

• No surgery***
• No discomfort
• No hearing downtime

The videos cover MRI instructions for each MED-EL implant, including:

• Pre-scan procedure
• Tesla allowances
• Patient orientation
• SAR limits

In addition to these videos, you can always find the full MRI conditions for all MED-EL implants at medel.com/isi.

This article is also available in German: Artikel auf Deutsch als PDF herunterladen.

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The SYNCHRONY Cochlear Implant uses a rotatable, self-aligning magnet that practically eliminates magnetic torque on the implant during a scan. This allows recipients to have safe, comfortable MRI scans without needing surgical magnet removal or head bandaging—even at 3.0 Tesla.***

The SYNCHRONY and SYNCHRONY 2 cochlear implants are MR Conditional. Recipients with a SYNCHRONY or SYNCHRONY 2 Cochlear Implant may be safely MRI scanned at 0.2, 1.0, 1.5, and 3.0 Tesla in countries accepting the CE-Mark and Canada following the conditions detailed in the instructions for use. Conditions for 1.5 & 3.0 Tesla scans for recipients in the United States can be found at medel.com/isi.

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Other MED-EL cochlear implants use a secure implant magnet that allows recipients to have safe, comfortable MRI scans at 1.5 Tesla without risk of magnet dislocation.

The CONCERTO, SONATA, PULSAR, and C40+ Cochlear Implants are MR Conditional. Recipients with the CONCERTO, SONATA, PULSAR, or C40+ Cochlear Implant may be safely MRI scanned at 0.2, 1.0, and 1.5 Tesla in countries accepting the CE-Mark and Canada following the conditions detailed in the instructions for use. Conditions for 1.5 Tesla scans for recipients in the United States can be found at medel.com/isi.

We’ve also created guides for MRI with the BONEBRIDGE Bone Conduction Implant (BCI 601) and the Vibrant SOUNDBRIDGE VORP 503 Middle Ear Implant.

Great Protection. Guaranteed.

Because of our long and positive experience with MRIs and cochlear implants, we’re the only hearing implant company to offer a life-long MRI guarantee. We promise to replace the implant in the very unlikely event that it’s damaged during an MRI scan.*

• Valid for all MED-EL multichannel cochlear implants since 1994
• Life-long and worldwide
• The first and only to be offered by any hearing implant producer

Last updated on September 16, 2021.

Read More on MRI & Hearing Implants

Check out our other great articles on MRI with MED-EL hearing implants.

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*The terms and conditions of the MRI guarantee can be found at https://go.medel.com/mri-guarantee-terms

** MED-EL cochlear implants since 1994 are MR Conditional. Recipients with a MED-EL cochlear implant may be safely MRI scanned following the conditions detailed in the Medical Procedures Manual.

*** Unless magnet removal is required for diagnostic reasons.