The inner ear holds the cochlea, which handles hearing, and the vestibular system, which handles balance. The hearing and facial nerves run from them through the internal auditory canal to the brainstem. The spot where they enter the brain is called the cerebellopontine angle. MRI shows these tiny structures in thin slices with no radiation. At Oberig Clinic we use a 1.5 Tesla scanner, and radiologists of the Diagnostic Department read the images.
When it is ordered
Most often an ENT doctor or a neurologist orders it for hearing loss in one ear, ringing or noise in one ear, repeated spells of vertigo, balance problems, or weakness on one side of the face. It is also used to check results after treatment or surgery. Sudden hearing loss in one ear is a reason to see a doctor within days, not weeks, since early treatment works best.
Why MRI is the test for acoustic neuroma
An acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a benign growth from the nerve sheath. It grows slowly and gradually reduces hearing in one ear. MRI with contrast is the standard way to find it. It can spot a growth of just a few millimeters inside the canal. The doctor records the size so it can be tracked over time. Small neuromas are often just watched, with an MRI once a year.
How it goes
No special prep. Remove all metal objects. You lie on your back with your head in a coil, and the scanner takes a series of slices. The machine knocks loudly, so you get earplugs or headphones. It takes 20-30 minutes. The doctor often injects a gadolinium contrast into a vein to see the nerves better. For that you need a recent creatinine test. You can eat and drink as usual before the scan and drive home right after it.
MRI is not done with a pacemaker, a cochlear implant or metal fragments in the body unless they are MRI-safe. Tell us about any implant when you book.
Common questions
MRI or CT: which is better for the ear?
MRI shows nerves and soft tissue better. For bone and the middle ear, doctors usually order a temporal bone CT.
When will I get the result?
Within 24 hours, except weekends and holidays. You get the report and the images.
What if I am afraid of tight spaces?
Say so when you book. The scan is short, and the doctor can talk to you through an intercom the whole time.
Price at Oberig Clinic
The cost depends on the need for contrast. The doctor decides, and contrast is charged separately.
| Test | Price |
|---|
| Inner ear MRI, 1.5 Tesla | UAH 3,960 |
| MRI contrast enhancement (1.5 Tesla) | UAH 2,745 |
Prices are from the clinic price list as of 26.10.2026. They may change. Please check the current price with the contact center.
Why choose Oberig Clinic
- 2 MRI scanners (1.5 and 3 Tesla), a Siemens reference center, American College of Radiology protocols.
- Experienced radiologists, including head of the Diagnostic Department Taras Matsiievskyi.
- ENT doctors with endoscopy, hearing tests and CT in one clinic.
Address: 3 Zoolohichna St, buildings G and V, Kyiv. Book online at https://my.oberig.ua/ua/appointment/ or call +38 044 521 30 03.
