If you’re experiencing hearing problems, such as a ringing, buzzing, or roaring in one or both of your ears, or you’re experiencing hearing loss, dizziness, vertigo or a loss of balance, it can really affect your quality of life. It’s natural to want to get answers. Imaging techniques, such as an IAM MRI or a CT scan, can help identify conditions that cause your symptoms and find the right treatment, but choosing which scan to opt for can depend on your medical history and symptoms.
Both CT scans and MRI scans can be effective in diagnosing inner ear problems, including tinnitus, by looking at the inner structure of the ear and identifying any abnormalities. CT scans can help your doctor look at the fine bone structure within the inner ear and the auditory canals, while an MRI scan can identify abnormalities in the soft tissue, such as tumours or abnormal growths. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may recommend one or the other. Let’s take a look at how each scan works and how they differ in terms of identifying tinnitus and other inner ear problems.
Can an MRI scan detect inner ear problems?
An ear MRI scan is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create a detailed image of the inner ear structures, such as the cochlea, vestibule and semicircular canals. It can help identify problems such as tumours, inner ear infections and structural abnormalities. An IAM MRI scan (IAM stands for Internal Auditory Meatus) can provide detailed images that help doctors identify conditions or abnormalities affecting the auditory nerve, such as benign tumours. It’s a common type of MRI scan for the ear.
Will a brain MRI show ear problems?
Yes, a brain MRI will look at your ear's inner structures and auditory nerves as part of the scan, though it’s not routinely used for hearing problems. An IAM MRI is more effective at getting a detailed image of the ears and surrounding areas.
MRI scan for hearing loss and tinnitus
Your doctor may recommend an MRI scan for hearing loss if:
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Your hearing loss is sudden or unexplained.
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You have hearing loss in one ear but not the other, or it’s worse in one ear.
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Your hearing loss is accompanied by other symptoms, such as facial nerve weakness.
They may recommend an MRI scan for tinnitus if:
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Your tinnitus is only in one ear (unilateral tinnitus)
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Your tinnitus is sudden or severe.
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You’re experiencing hearing loss as well as tinnitus.
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You have other symptoms, such as dizziness, vertigo, headaches or facial numbness.
How is an MRI of the ear done?
An MRI of the inner ear is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure designed to provide detailed images of your ear structures. While it may seem daunting, the process is straightforward and painless. First, you’ll be asked to remove any metal objects, such as watches, jewellery, hearing aids or piercings. You may need to change into a hospital gown.
The technician performing the scan will ask you to lie down on a table that moves through the MRI machine, which looks like a large, short cylinder. It’s important that you don’t move your head during the scan, so they may place a frame, like a type of helmet, over your head to keep it still.
An MRI scan can be noisy, with loud knocking, buzzing or tapping sounds, so you’ll be given headphones or earplugs. But you should still be able to hear and speak to your technician, who will check in with you at intervals through an intercom.
How long does an MRI IAM take?
It can take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many images are taken.
How much does an ear MRI scan cost?
The cost of a private ear MRI scan can vary, depending on where you live. However, you can expect to pay between £340 and £615.
What inner ear MRI results could I get?
An ear MRI can identify several conditions or abnormalities that could be causing your hearing problems, such as:
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Swelling, infection or inflammation of the inner ear structures, often causing balance and hearing issues.
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Inner ear abnormalities present from birth.
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Benign tumours that develop on the balance and hearing nerves leading from the inner ear to the brain (acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma).
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Meniere's disease: A disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
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Labyrinthitis: An inner ear infection that causes inflammation of the labyrinth, affecting balance and hearing.
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Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, causing severe vertigo without hearing loss.
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Cholesteatoma: An abnormal skin growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum.
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Perilymphatic fistula: An abnormal connection between the inner ear and middle ear, allowing perilymph fluid to leak.
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Superior semicircular canal dehiscence: A condition where there's an opening in the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal of the inner ear.
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Any problems with the surgical placement of a cochlear implant.
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Breaks in the temporal bone that can damage inner ear structures.
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Unusual formations or arrangements of blood vessels in the inner ear.
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A stroke affecting the blood supply to the inner ear, potentially causing sudden hearing loss and vertigo (labyrinthine infarction).
Should I choose a CT scan for ear problems?
While a CT scan is useful for showing the bony structures and space in the ear, an MRI scan is better at producing detailed images of the soft tissue and images of the inner ear and auditory nerve. That’s why most doctors recommend an MRI over a CT scan for ear problems. However, your doctor may recommend a CT scan if:
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You can’t have an MRI scan because you have a metal implant or are too claustrophobic for an MRI scan.
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Previous hearing tests have suggested a problem in your middle or outer ear, and your doctor wants to examine the bony structures in these areas.
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You have a rhythmic pulsing in your ear that syncs with your heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus).
How is a CT scan of the ear done?
CT scans are generally quicker than MRI scans, taking just a few minutes. You’ll lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner, which looks like a large doughnut but feels more open than an MRI cylinder. Your technician will position your head, and you'll need to remain still during the scan. You’ll hear some whirring and clicking noises from the machine.
MRI and CT scans are both useful techniques for diagnosing ear problems, inner ear issues, and tinnitus. MRI scans are particularly good at showing soft tissue details, and doctors often prefer them for inner ear and auditory nerve issues, conditions like acoustic neuromas and Meniere's disease. CT scans are better at visualising bony structures and are quicker than MRIs. They're often used for middle ear problems or when an MRI isn't possible. For tinnitus, the choice depends on the specific symptoms and suspected causes.
If you're unsure which scan is best for you, our one-to-one clinical consultations can help you decide. Our experts can recommend the right scan based on your symptoms and medical history.
Sources
Appropriateness of MRI IAM referrals for investigation of Tinnitus. (2022). https://www.rcr.ac.uk/career-development/audit-quality-improvement/auditlive-radiology/appropriateness-of-mri-iam-referrals-for-investigation-of-tinnitus/
Brain MRI. (2022). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22966-brain-mri
Hearing loss in adults: assessment and management. (2023). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng98
MRI scan: How it’s performed. (2022). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mri-scan/what-happens/
Should You Get an MRI for Tinnitus? (2023). https://www.healthline.com/health/mri-for-tinnitus
Tinnitus: assessment and management. (2020). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng155
