MRI Experience: What’s That Noise?

One of the first things you’ll notice when you step in the exam room to get your MRI is the sound. The MRI machine’s magnet is always on, so even when your exam hasn’t started, you’ll hear a whir. But that’s nothing compared to what you hear once you’re inside the machine. It can be a little hard to describe and each patient’s reaction is a bit different. Some liken the MRI noise to a jackhammer while others doze off during the exam. To truly understand it though, you should probably hear it for yourself: