Acoustic Noise Levels in High-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanners

7-Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging may allow for higher resolution images but may produce greater acoustic noise than 1.5- and 3-T scanners. We sought to characterize the intensity of acoustic noise from 7- versus 3-T scanners. A-weighted sound pressure levels from 5 types of pulse sequences used for brain and inner ear imaging in 3- and 7-T scanners were measured. Time-averaged sound level and maximum sound levels generated for each sequence were compared. Time-averaged sound levels exceeded 95 dB and reached maximums above 105 dB on the majority of 3- and 7-T scans. The mean time-averaged sound level and maximum sound level across pulse sequences were greater in 7- than 3-T (105.6 vs 91.4, P = .01; 114.0 vs. 96.5 dB, P < .01). 7- and 3-T magnetic resonance imaging scanners produce high levels of acoustic noise that exceed acceptable safety limits, emphasizing the need for active and passive noise protection.