Recently there have been a lot of questions surrounding MRIs and cochlear implants. I want to be certain you all have the latest information.

The Nucleus Freedom cochlear implant is approved up to 1.5 Tesla with the magnet removed from the internal implant. The procedure of magnet removal is typically an in-office procedure performed with a local anesthesia at the site and scalpel to make an incision (the magnet sits right underneath the skin under the scalp); after the MRI procedure is completed, a new sterile magnet is reinserted (by using the same incision and most often the same day directly following the MRI). This procedure is not a surgery or reimplantation of the internal device. In most cases, the coil (the other magnetic piece that enables the external connection to the internal device) can be placed atop the incision the same day but some surgeons may counsel a wait time. It is recommended that you discuss this issue with your doctor to understand any considerations specific to your condition which would change/amend these general indications. Cochlear suggests that if you find that you need frequent and ongoing MRIs, you may want to consider an alternative way to hold the cable coil in place (i.e. toupee tape or a headband).

In your system kit there is a MRI information card you can carry with you. If you can’t find it no worries- Click here