Cochlear Implant that Can Be Used with MRI

A new cochlear implant with an internal magnet allows patients to have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without additional surgery to first remove the implant magnet.

Many people with cochlear implants will require an MRI at some point in their lifetime. When this happens, they will first need to have surgery to remove the internal magnet. This will entail an incision and up to four weeks of recovery time. The new cochlear implant's internal magnet is encased in ceramic, so there is no risk that the magnet can become dislodged and there is no need to remove it for MRI exams.

Called Combi 40+, the implant is safe and compatible for use with MRI at 0.2 Tesla. The MRI scanners operating at this strength are typically open systems that help reduce patient anxiety. The Combi 40 has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use with MRI. The implant is the product of Med-El Corp. (Innsbruck, Austria).

A cochlear implant system electrically stimulates the hearing nerve in the cochlea (inner ear). The system comprises the implant package that is surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear and an externally worn speech processor worn behind the ear and held in place by a magnet. Generally, all cochlear implants contain magnets.






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