Enabling Two-way Audio Communication and Real-time Monitoring of Acoustic Noise Exposure during MRI Acquisition

Motivation: : Improve audio communication, patient comfort and safety during MRI exams. Goal(s): Enable verbal communication without interrupting MRI acquisition and real-time monitoring of acoustic noise exposure and protection. Approach: Use microphones inside and outside of acoustic noise insulated earpiece and advanced signal processing algorithms to remove MR gradient noise while preserving audio signal and to measure the sound pressure level (SPL) in the ear canal. Results: Good intelligibility in two-way audio communication is demonstrated during MR acquisitions in a trial of healthy volunteers. No significant artifact from earpieces in clinical brain imaging. Impact: A novel MRI audio system can provide clear and seamless two-way communication, real-time monitoring of acoustic noise exposure and protection, high-quality audio for patient comfort during the entire MRI exam.