Assessment the Technologists and Radiologists Knowledge Regarding Health Risks Associated with Cochlear Implant Imaging Procedures

Hawesa, Halima MS; Almasaud, Huda; Almarshad, Lamya; Alsharhan, Madawi; Alharbi, Razan; Alkhalifa, Rahaf; Aljuaid, Shahad; Alradhi, Zahrah; Bazza, Khadij

doi:10.21608/smj.2025.383056.1566

Assessment the Technologists and Radiologists Knowledge Regarding Health Risks Associated with Cochlear Implant Imaging Procedures

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Radiological Sciences, college of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), KSA

² Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

10.21608/smj.2025.383056.1566

Abstract

Background: Cochlear implantation is a critical intervention for patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, imaging patients with cochlear implants (CIs) presents significant health risks, often due to insufficient awareness and knowledge among technologists and radiologists. Complications such as device heating and cochlear flipping have been reported, highlighting the importance of proper understanding during imaging procedures. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge level of technologists and radiologists in Saudi Arabia concerning the health risks associated with imaging cochlear implant (CI) patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 80 participants, including radiologists, technologists, and technicians from various hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was administered across eight randomly selected hospitals. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v24, with Chi-square tests applied to assess statistical significance.

Results: The Chi-square test results indicated a significant relationship between the participants' knowledge and the type of hospital regarding certain technical aspects (P < 0.001). However, the overall knowledge level of technologists and radiologists was found to be similar, underscoring the need for enhanced education and training in cochlear implant imaging procedures.

Conclusions: The study reveals a notable gap in knowledge among technologists and radiologists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regarding the health risks associated with imaging patients with CIs. These findings emphasize the necessity for improved educational initiatives to effectively mitigate these risks.

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