Will an MRI be loud?

Yes, an MRI machine is loud. While it is taking pictures, it makes loud thumping noises and rhythmic beats. This is a normal part of how the machine works — it is not a sign that anything is wrong or that the equipment is malfunctioning.

An MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves, rather than radiation, to take pictures of your body in slices, which are combined into detailed images that can show where tumors may be. The noise comes from the machine building those images while you lie still on a table inside a long chamber that surrounds part or all of your body.

Knowing ahead of time that the noise is expected can make it easier to get through the scan. If you are especially sensitive to loud sounds, mention it to your care team beforehand — they may have options to help make the experience more comfortable. The noise itself does not mean the scan is taking longer or that something unusual is happening.