MRI scans can be an uncomfortable experience for patients. The loud noises of the machine can be jarring and cause anxiety. To help make the experience more comfortable, many medical facilities are now using audio systems to provide soothing music during the procedure.
If you are an MRI technician, it is important to understand the differences between the various audio systems on the market today. The one that you use in your clinic will have a direct impact on patient care and satisfaction – as well as improving scan quality.
This article will cover four of the most popular audio systems available for MRI exams: MRIaudio, Magnacoustics, Resonance Tech, and Newmatic Sound System. We’ll discuss their features and benefits in-depth so that you can make an informed decision when selecting which system to use in your clinic.
#1 MRIaudio – Yes that is us but hear us out!
MRIaudio’s Innovative Sonic Transducer
MRIaudio is an innovative sound therapy system designed specifically to reduce patient anxiety during MRI exams. This powerful system combines high fidelity sound quality and hearing protection with noise reduction technology to create a calming environment where patients feel safe and relaxed – even during loud scans.
The system allows you to use any music source, but also offers an iPad station to use your favorite apps to stream music, podcast, radio, or soundscapes. This gives people the opportunity to personalize patient’s audio preferences based on what they find relieving or enjoyable – enabling them to have a truly individualized experience. In a case study with patients who listened to music during previous scans, 85% said their ability to listen to music with MRIaudio was much better.
The heart of the MRIaudio system lies in the unique, industry-leading, MRI Conditional Sonic Transducer. Capable of producing frequencies as low as 120 Hz, the Sonic Transducer creates longer sound waves, resulting in better sound quality with deeper bass. This masks out the disruptive noise of the machine, allowing patients to feel at ease during scans and reducing their awareness of loud sounds.
MRIaudio’s biggest claim is their customer service and ease of use. CEO Spencer Howe says “MRIaudio is a customer service company that happens to make MRI audio systems.” Things are bound to happen and MRIaudio prides themselves on offering immediate solutions.
Product Summary:
- Industry-leading Sonic Transducer for optimal sound quality
- 29-decibels of noise reduction (29dB NRR) built into a variety of comfortable headphone options
- Disposable Cloth Covers & Replaceable Ear Tips for quick and easy cleaning
- Premium Tech Bose speakers make it simple for techs to hear music playing and system operation easy
- Patient communication with integrated microphone
- iPad docking station for Unlimited Music, Radio, or Podcast Options
- Sirius Radio Integration for Mobile MRI Stations
- Customer Service is a top priority with 1-Click Customer Service via facetime
- Offers 30-day Free Trial!
- Refund Policy 30 days on any product
- FDA & ISO Certifications
- OEM Compatible with any MRI Machine
- 1 year warranty & extended warranty options
- Buyback Program – get $1000 when you trade in any system / $2000 off upgrading MRIaudio system
- Offers installation service
- Easy to Use
- Easy Self Installation
- Minimal space needed on tech desk
- Stocked inventory and 2 day shipping
- 4500+ systems sold worldwide
Pricing: Starts at $6,949
#2 Magnacoustics
Magnacoustics is a renowned name in the MRI audio systems industry, with a range of products designed to enhance patient comfort during MRI scans. Their standout products include the MagnaCoil™ headset system and Genesis Ultra™ Music & Communication System, which deliver good sound quality and hearing protection. The Phoenix™ SOUND SYSTEM and MRI AMBIANCE SYSTEM further extend their offerings, combining music, communication, and ambient features to create a soothing patient experience.
In addition to these, Magnacoustics’ MagnaPlugs™ provide 30db NRR of noise suppression, ensuring patient hearing protection. With a range of accessories and replacement parts available, their systems offer long-term usability and functionality.
Product Summary:
- Buyback Program – get $1500 off when you trade in MRIaudio system / $2000 off upgrade of old Magnacoustics system
- Disposable Cloth Covers & Replaceable Ear Tips for quick and easy cleaning
- 30dB NRR hearing protection: In-ear headsets and Over-ear headphones
- ISO Certification
- Compatible with any MRI
- Easy Installation
- Bluetooth integration for music source
- Patient communication
- 30 years in business
- Refund Policy 30 days
- Warranty is unknown
- Currently Delayed Shipments on new systems check website for updates.
- 4000+ Systems Sold
Pricing: Starts at $8,000
Website: https://magnacoustics.com/
#3 Resonance Tech SereneSound
Resonance Tech’s SereneSound is a sophisticated, lightweight remote control with an audio controller that can connect with any digital device to output sounds to a patient in an MRI. The state-of-the-art audio controller is capable of accepting input from a full range of audio entertainment systems, while the advanced headset and transducer receive concert-quality sounds from the control room. SereneSound Digital revolutionizes the MRI experience by delivering pure, all-digital sound during scans, allowing patients to listen to music or audio books, thereby transforming the MRI into a personalized scanning experience.
- Bi-directional patient intercom with active noise-cancellation microphone.
- 30 db headset gradient noise attenuation.
- 500Hz – 10KHz frequency response.
- Intercom fades out music and enables microphone.
- High-fidelity speakers for both patient and MRI suite.
- Ergonomic multi-functional remote control.
- Zero-Artifact LaserLink transmission technology between console and MRI suite.
Pricing: Unknown
#4 The Newmatic Sound System
The Newmatic Sound System functions similarly in many respects as those discussed above. Their system that lets patients and technologists enjoy separate music sources simultaneously. With dual active headsets, both patients and Techs can listen to instructions or music together.
- Patient amplifier with AM/FM tuner
- Allows patients and technologists to listen to different music sources at the same time
- Nonheadset is designed for the tightest head coils and can be used in conjunction with earplugs to reach the required 29db NRR
- Nonheadset has two 1″ foam ear muffs that can be positioned right up to patients’ ears in the head coil, doubling as a positioning aid
- Dual active headsets allow both patients and companions to wear headsets and listen to the same source
- Compatible with other tablets and smartphones
- 1 year warranty
Pricing: $5,821
Website: https://www.newmaticmedical.com/
Which Audio System Should You Choose For Your Clinic?
When it comes down to it, all four systems offer great features and benefits for medical facilities looking to improve patient comfort during MRI scans. However, if you’re looking for superior customer service, music sound quality, noise and hearing protection capabilities then MRIaudio is your best option as it has been proven time and again in clinical trials as being one of the most effective systems available today. They also offer a Free 30-day trail with no obligation or upfront cost.
No matter which system you choose, providing soothing music during an MRI scan can go a long way towards helping your patients feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout their procedure – something that will benefit both them and your facility in the long run!
