Sounds of the MRI Scanner
Below are audio recordings of noises our scanner makes. You'll be wearing noise-cancelling headphones, so you can turn your volume down to about 10% and that's what it'll sound like inside the scanner!
NOTE: Our scanner makes some other noises as well. These three are examples that can illustrate the scanner's rhythmic sounds which may vary in pitch and frequency.
LOCALIZER.mp3The first sound you'll hear
T1.mp3The second sound you'll hear
fMRI.mp3The third sound you'll hear
Why the scanner makes sounds:
Machine Sounds
This video talks about the MRI machine itself and which parts of the machine are making the noises you'll hear during your MRI.
Picture Sounds
This video talks about the MRI pictures we take, what it sounds like when we take those pictures, and a little bit about why those pictures are helpful for our research.
Hear
The machine is noisy. You will hear various beeping and/or knocking sounds (listen to example sounds above). You will be given headphones to hear the movie or music while also reducing the sounds of the machine.
See
When entering the MRI room, you will see a large machine with a tunnel in the middle. This is the camera. During the scan, you might be watching a movie or looking at a white plus sign (+). You won't be getting any feedback about your motion, so you'll need to put your practice to the test, and stay as still as you can!
Feel
MRIs do not hurt. The temperature in the room may be cold and our staff can provide a warm blanket to have inside the scanner. In rare cases, you might feel tingling or heating sensations. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, you can ask for a break, or ask to stop.
Preparing for your MRI FAQ
Interactive: Scan a Brain: Practice your science skills!
This website is from the Franklin Institute where you can move the scanner control over the head to see brain images made with the MRI along with the science behind what you are seeing. Try it yourself here:
Interactive: Scan a Brain | The Franklin Institute (fi.edu)
Games to Prepare for your MRI
Reverse Freeze Tag
Courtesy of the Kennedy Krieger Center
This version of freeze tag is a fun way to learn to keep still for an MRI.
Gather a few friends together in an open space.
An adult should be present to be the judge. If no adult can play, take turns being the judge.
When the judge says “Go,” players should begin running around, making noise, and being as active as they can.
The judge will then say, “Freeze!” Everyone should freeze immediately, no matter what position they are in. The judge then watches for any movement (even very small movements, like blinking or twitching). If the judge sees players moving, they are out.
The last player in wins!
Nose to the Grindstone
Courtesy of the Kennedy Krieger Center
The MRI can detect movements as small as a few millimeters. Cut out the box with the tiny five-millimeter circle above. The circle is your “grindstone.” Tape it to the wall and touch your nose to it. See how long you can “keep your nose to the grindstone” and not move even a little bit.
The Statue Game
Courtesy of the Kennedy Krieger Center
Lie on your back on the floor, a couch, or a bed, just like you will in the MRI scanner.
Ask a friend or family member to place his or her fingertips on either side of your head, just above the tips of your ears.
Ask your friend to let you know if you move (the other person can feel small movements with his or her hands more easily than you can feel them by yourself).
Ask your friend to time you while you hold as still as a statue. First, try to keep still for one minute. Once you are able to do that, try for three minutes, five minutes, and 10 minutes. Color in the stars below for each time that you are able to hold still. Remember to give yourself “wiggle breaks” in between.
