{"id":1841,"date":"2024-08-01T17:53:48","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T16:53:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/exames\/magnetic-resonance-imaging\/ear-mri"},"modified":"2025-12-12T15:58:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T15:58:45","slug":"ear-mri","status":"publish","type":"exames","link":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/exams\/magnetic-resonance-imaging\/ear-mri","title":{"rendered":"Ear MRI"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ears is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging exam that allows accurate assessment of the inner ear structures, auditory canals and adjacent regions such as the cerebellum and brainstem. It is important in diagnosing the causes of hearing loss, tinnitus or vertigo.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is an Ear MRI?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to produce high-resolution images of the cochlea, auditory nerve, semicircular canals and adjacent structures such as the brainstem and pons. It allows the detection of changes that are not evident on computed tomography (CT) or simple hearing tests.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the price of an Ear MRI?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price of an ear MRI<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><b>\u20ac275<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when performed <\/span><b>privately<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, you can undergo the exam through several <\/span><b>agreements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ADSE<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In the case of an ear MRI performed through ADSE, the patient only pays a copayment of <\/span><strong>\u20ac30<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance companies: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M\u00e9dis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vit\u00f3ria, Una Seguros and other insurers.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Health plans: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medicare, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP and other health plans.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protocols<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: NRD has protocols with several clinics and institutions that allow you to undergo the exam at very competitive prices. For ear MRI, the protocol price is <\/span><b>\u20ac220<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price varies according to the health system or insurance you wish to use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find out more about the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/exams\/magnetic-resonance-imaging\/price-of-magnetic-resonance-imaging\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">price of MRI exams<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is it performed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The patient is positioned lying down, with the head immobilised in a dedicated coil designed to focus on the ears and internal auditory canals. The equipment acquires very thin slices with high anatomical detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MRI scanner is open at both ends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intravenous contrast may be administered, especially in cases of suspected schwannomas or tumours of the cerebellum or cerebellopontine angle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the exam it is essential to remain completely still.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earplugs are provided to reduce the perception of the scanner noise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The duration varies according to the protocol, usually between 30 and 45 minutes, and may be longer if contrast is used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1660 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica.jpg\" alt=\"ear MRI\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it detect?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ear MRI allows accurate identification of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lesions of the cerebellopontine angle or cerebellar tumours;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in the internal auditory nerve;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis and inflammatory processes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complications of chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma or extended mastoiditis;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vascular diseases, including arterial stenosis or venous thrombosis;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among others.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In which cases is it indicated?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ear MRI may be indicated in cases of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulsatile or unilateral tinnitus;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent or recurrent vertigo with no clear cause;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessment of a suspected tumour in the cerebellopontine angle or acoustic nerve;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ear pain with suspected inner ear pathology;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pre-operative planning for ear surgery or hearing implants;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among others.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation for Ear MRI<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before having an MRI at NRD, please take into account the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Topic<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Guidance<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam prescription (paper form)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must bring the exam prescription in paper form.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most MRI exams do not require fasting. For exams with contrast, fasting for 3 hours is usually required (to be confirmed when booking).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early arrival<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may take important and unavoidable medication with a minimum amount of water.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metal objects<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove all metal objects (e.g. earrings, bracelets, necklaces, piercings, hairpins, removable prostheses, etc.).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform the NRD healthcare professional if you are pregnant.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous exams \/ Tests \/ Info<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring previous exams, relevant clinical information and recent laboratory tests.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glucose monitoring implant<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not place the implant, as it will have to be removed before the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make-up<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not wear make-up, as some products may interfere with the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valve and\/or orthopaedic prostheses<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have valve and\/or orthopaedic prostheses, bring documentation with the description and composition of the material.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hearing aids<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you use a hearing aid, as it will have to be removed before the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental prostheses<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you use a dental prosthesis, as it may need to be removed before the exam. Also inform us if you have dental implants.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthodontic appliances<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you have orthodontic braces. A compatibility test may be necessary before MRI.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pacemakers and implantable devices<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NRD does not perform MRI exams on patients with pacemakers or implantable devices (e.g. cochlear implants); in these cases, the exam should preferably be carried out in a hospital setting.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throughout the entire MRI exam, you will be continuously monitored by the NRD imaging technologist responsible for your exam. An alert system will also be available for you to activate if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should remain still during the exam to ensure high-quality images.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The entire NRD team will be at your disposal to answer any questions you may have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the exam, you can return to your normal daily activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When and how do you receive the results?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will receive the MRI report within up to 7 days after the exam, by e-mail or on paper at the clinic. On the day of the exam, you will take home a CD with the images.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Where can you have an Ear MRI?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ear MRI can be performed at NRD, at the following address: <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, n\u00ba 11-B, r\/c, 1070 &#8211; 060 Lisbon (next to Pra\u00e7a de Espanha)<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":1828,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-1841","exames","type-exames","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/1841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/exames"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/1828"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}