Skip to main content

Lund University Publications

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Bridging Human Responses and Imaging Performance in 7 Tesla MRI - Balancing Safety, Comfort, and Image Quality

Wennberg, Linda LU (2026) In Lund University, Faculty of Medicine Doctoral Dissertation Series
Abstract
Background: Ultra-high field (UHF) 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers significant improvements in signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. However, it also presents challenges such as increased acoustic noise, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), and various potential physiological and perceptual effects. Therefore, from a human response perspective, it is crucial to consider both safety and participant comfort alongside image quality in UHF MRI. This balance is essential for the safe and effective implementation of UHF imaging.

Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the physiological and perceptual effects associated with the 7 T MRI environment, including cognitive performance, auditory function,... (More)
Background: Ultra-high field (UHF) 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers significant improvements in signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. However, it also presents challenges such as increased acoustic noise, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), and various potential physiological and perceptual effects. Therefore, from a human response perspective, it is crucial to consider both safety and participant comfort alongside image quality in UHF MRI. This balance is essential for the safe and effective implementation of UHF imaging.

Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the physiological and perceptual effects associated with the 7 T MRI environment, including cognitive performance, auditory function, acoustic noise, and PNS, as well as to evaluate technical strategies for reducing these effects while preserving image quality.

Method: Across four studies, cognitive performance, auditory function, and perceptual responses were investigated in healthy participants. Furthermore, the effects of acoustic noise reduction strategies, including the gradient modulation technique SofTone, were evaluated in terms of both safety-related outcomes and quantitative and qualitative measures of imaging performance.

Results: The results indicate that 7 T MRI may be associated with transient sensory and perceptual effects, while cognitive performance remains stable. Effective dual hearing protection appears to preserve outer hair cell function despite repeated exposure to high acoustic noise levels. Acoustic noise reduction techniques significantly reduce sound pressure levels and PNS but may introduce trade-offs in image quality depending on the type of sequence used.

Conclusion: Taken together, the findings highlight the importance of balancing technical optimisation with physiological and perceptual safety in UHF MRI. The thesis underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates human experience with image quality metrics to support both participant comfort and diagnostic performance in UHF MRI. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
supervisor
opponent
  • Professor McNulty, Jonathan, UCD School of Medicine, University Collage Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
organization
publishing date
type
Thesis
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrahigh Magnetic Field, Hearing, Ear Protective Devices, Noise, Cognitive Function, Image Quality, Healthy Volunteers
in
Lund University, Faculty of Medicine Doctoral Dissertation Series
issue
2026:109
pages
94 pages
publisher
Lund University, Faculty of Medicine
defense location
Segerfalksalen, BMC A10, Sölvegatan 17 i Lund
defense date
2026-09-18 09:00:00
ISSN
1652-8220
ISBN
978-91-8021-907-5
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
e0829334-3741-4d30-961b-dbfddaf1fca4
date added to LUP
2026-08-03 14:19:42
date last changed
2026-08-13 10:13:43
@phdthesis{e0829334-3741-4d30-961b-dbfddaf1fca4,
  abstract     = {{Background: Ultra-high field (UHF) 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers significant improvements in signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. However, it also presents challenges such as increased acoustic noise, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), and various potential physiological and perceptual effects. Therefore, from a human response perspective, it is crucial to consider both safety and participant comfort alongside image quality in UHF MRI. This balance is essential for the safe and effective implementation of UHF imaging.<br/><br/>Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the physiological and perceptual effects associated with the 7 T MRI environment, including cognitive performance, auditory function, acoustic noise, and PNS, as well as to evaluate technical strategies for reducing these effects while preserving image quality.<br/><br/>Method: Across four studies, cognitive performance, auditory function, and perceptual responses were investigated in healthy participants. Furthermore, the effects of acoustic noise reduction strategies, including the gradient modulation technique SofTone, were evaluated in terms of both safety-related outcomes and quantitative and qualitative measures of imaging performance. <br/><br/>Results: The results indicate that 7 T MRI may be associated with transient sensory and perceptual effects, while cognitive performance remains stable. Effective dual hearing protection appears to preserve outer hair cell function despite repeated exposure to high acoustic noise levels. Acoustic noise reduction techniques significantly reduce sound pressure levels and PNS but may introduce trade-offs in image quality depending on the type of sequence used. <br/><br/>Conclusion: Taken together, the findings highlight the importance of balancing technical optimisation with physiological and perceptual safety in UHF MRI. The thesis underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates human experience with image quality metrics to support both participant comfort and diagnostic performance in UHF MRI.}},
  author       = {{Wennberg, Linda}},
  isbn         = {{978-91-8021-907-5}},
  issn         = {{1652-8220}},
  keywords     = {{Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrahigh Magnetic Field, Hearing, Ear Protective Devices, Noise, Cognitive Function, Image Quality, Healthy Volunteers}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{2026:109}},
  publisher    = {{Lund University, Faculty of Medicine}},
  school       = {{Lund University}},
  series       = {{Lund University, Faculty of Medicine Doctoral Dissertation Series}},
  title        = {{Bridging Human Responses and Imaging Performance in 7 Tesla MRI - Balancing Safety, Comfort, and Image Quality}},
  url          = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/257098116/Avhandling_Linda_Wennberg_LUCRIS.pdf}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}