If you’ve ever had an MRI, you know the unmistakable clanging and banging sounds that fill the room. You might wonder: why does such advanced medical technology have to be so noisy?

This question matters to millions of patients who may feel anxious or uncomfortable during their scans. In this article, we’ll explain why MRI machines are so loud, what happens inside the machine, and how you can make the experience easier during your next visit.

Related Video

Why Is an MRI Machine So Loud?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a widely used diagnostic tool. But if you’ve been inside an MRI suite, you’re probably familiar with its distinctive, booming noise—a combination of bangs, clicks, and thumping sounds that can feel intense. Why exactly is an MRI machine so loud? Let’s break down the science, help you understand what to expect, and offer practical tips for a more comfortable scan.

---

Understanding the Loud MRI Noises

The Science Behind MRI Sounds

An MRI scanner uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body. Here’s a simple breakdown of what produces the noise:

1. Magnetic Fields at Work
2. The MRI has a strong, steady magnetic field.

3. To create images, the machine rapidly turns additional magnetic fields on and off in different directions using “gradient coils.”

4. The Role of Gradient Coils

5. These coils generate varying magnetic fields needed for precise imaging.

6. When the electric current switches direction quickly, the coils experience strong mechanical forces.

7. Vibration Equals Noise

8. The rapid pulsing of electricity through the coils causes them to vibrate.
9. These vibrations transfer to the metal structure of the machine, producing those distinctive loud knocking, banging, and buzzing sounds.

1. Why So Intense?
2. The power and speed required to capture high-resolution images make these forces (and the resulting sound) especially strong.
3. The shape and construction of the MRI machine can amplify these sounds, much like how the body of a guitar makes the sound of the strings louder.

Comparing the Sounds

• MRI machines can reach noise levels between 70 and 130 decibels, comparable to a rock concert or a jackhammer.
• Different scan sequences can create varying noises:
• Buzzing: During certain image sequences.
• Clanking: Fast switching between gradients.
• Whirring or Drumming: When capturing detailed cross-sections.

---

Key Points About MRI Noise

1. Safety of Sound

• The noises are a normal byproduct of how the MRI works.
• While loud, they pose no physical harm during a standard scan (especially when ear protection is used).
• The MRI machine itself does not move; only the magnetic fields and gradients switch.

2. Why Noise Levels Can Vary

• Different MRI scans require different imaging sequences.
• Some scans need quicker or stronger shifts in magnetic frequency, which intensifies the sound.
• The model and age of the MRI machine can also influence noise levels.

3. Why Can’t They Make It Quieter?

• Technological constraints: The mechanical force from powerful currents is difficult to silence completely.
• Efforts to design quieter machines are ongoing, using improved insulation, lighter materials, and advanced sound-dampening techniques.
• Some newer MRIs offer “silent” or reduced-noise modes for certain procedures, but even these can’t completely eliminate all the sound.

---

What to Expect During Your MRI

Knowing what happens during the scan can help you prepare:

Before the Scan

• You’ll change into a gown and remove any metal objects.
• The technologist will explain your scan and answer any questions.
• You’ll be given earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to protect your hearing.

During the Scan

• You’ll lie on a table that moves into the MRI’s circular opening (the “bore”).
• Expect:
• A series of loud banging, clanking, or buzzing noises that last for several minutes at a time.
• Short breaks between imaging sequences for the technologist to check the images or give instructions.
• For most scans, you must stay very still to get clear images.

After the Scan

• You’ll be guided out and can resume normal activities.
• There are no lasting effects from the noise or the magnetism.

---

Benefits of MRI Despite the Noise

The temporary discomfort from MRI noise is balanced by its many medical advantages:

• Non-Invasive Imaging: No cuts, injections, or exposure to ionizing radiation (unlike X-rays or CT scans).
• High-Detail Images: Able to distinguish soft tissues, like muscles, the brain, or organs, much more clearly than other imaging techniques.
• Early Diagnosis: Helps identify problems such as tumors, inflammation, injury, or disease early, supporting effective treatment.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for a wide range of body parts—brain, spine, joints, abdomen, blood vessels, and more.

---

Challenges and How to Keep Comfortable

Common Challenges

• Noise Anxiety: The sudden, loud sounds can surprise or unsettle many people, especially on their first scan.
• Claustrophobia: Some people feel uneasy in the narrow, enclosed MRI space.
• Staying Still: It can be difficult to stay motionless for 15–60 minutes, especially if you’re anxious.

Practical Tips to Cope

Here’s how you can make your MRI experience more comfortable:

1. Use Given Ear Protection

2. Always wear the provided earplugs or headphones. They significantly reduce noise and protect your hearing.

3. Communicate

4. Speak with the technologist about any concerns. They can explain procedures and provide reassurance.

5. Many MRI suites offer microphones or “panic buttons” so you can talk to staff at any time.

6. Distraction Techniques

7. Some facilities offer music, audiobooks, or guided meditation through headphones.

8. Try mental exercises—counting, deep breathing, or imagining yourself elsewhere.

9. Ask About Sedation

10. If you have severe anxiety or claustrophobia, mild sedation or anti-anxiety medication may be an option (speak with your provider ahead of time).

11. Bring a Friend or Family Member

12. Some MRI centers allow you to have a companion present for reassurance.

13. Plan Ahead

14. Relax before your appointment.
15. Empty your bladder and wear comfortable clothing.

---

What Medical Staff Do to Help

• Technologists keep you informed about what to expect.
• They adjust scan settings for your comfort and safety.
• They monitor you at all times for your well-being.
• They check picture quality as the scan proceeds, so you don’t need to repeat the scan unnecessarily.

---

Summary

MRI scans are loud because of the powerful, rapidly switching magnetic fields inside the machine. These changes create strong vibrations in the gradient coils, producing the familiar knocks, bangs, and buzzes. The sound can be uncomfortable, but it is a necessary part of creating the clear, detailed images that make MRI so valuable. With ear protection, good communication, and a bit of preparation, you can have a safe and successful MRI experience.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the MRI machine so much louder than other medical scanners?
MRI machines use powerful, rapidly changing magnetic fields to generate images. These changes cause the internal coils to vibrate, resulting in much louder noises than in other scanners like CT or X-ray, which don’t require moving parts in the same way.

2. Will the MRI noise damage my hearing?
No, your hearing will be protected. MRI centers always provide earplugs or headphones to reduce sound exposure, keeping it within safe levels for all patients.

3. Can children or people with anxiety problems cope with the MRI noise?
Many MRI centers have special approaches for children, including Child Life Specialists, videos, and music. For anxious patients, relaxation techniques, music, or mild sedation are often available. Always communicate your concerns to the MRI team.

4. Are there any silent MRI machines?
Some new MRI machines use special technology to reduce noise dramatically. However, “silent MRIs” are not yet widely available and may only work for specific types of scans. Most MRI scans still generate considerable sound.

5. Do all MRI scans take the same amount of time and make the same noise?
No. The length and intensity of the noise depend on the type of scan, the part of the body, and the machine used. Some scans are quicker and quieter than others. Technologists can tell you what to expect before your scan begins.