Acoustic Noise Reduction in MRI – A Review

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a powerful scanning tool used for various medical applications. The images obtained from MRI scanning are so more accurate and are with high resolution than the traditional CT scanning. Every technology has its own advantages and drawbacks. The drawback owing to MRI scanning is the extreme high level of noise produced by the scanning tool. The alternate current which is used to generate the pulse sequence causes the gradient coil, one of the prime component of MRI to vibrate. This vibration produces the noise level of about 120 dB, which is very crucial for the patient to forbear. As a result, this becomes a trauma for the pediatric and geriatric and also for the persons who are feeble and weak hearted. Furthermore, the scanning itself additionally impinges anxiety, fear, stress , increased blood pressure and psychological distress. Hence there arises the need to reduce this generated acoustic noise to a considerable level, which can be tolerated by the persons. In view of this, there are lot many techniques available for acoustic noise reduction. This paper presents the various techniques used for noise reduction, the achieved noise level reduction, their advantages and disadvantages.