Have you ever been in a conversation and suddenly had the feeling that you were talking to yourself? That’s because, according to recent studies, up to 65% of the population experiences something called “musical ear syndrome” (MES) at some point in their lives. MES is a condition where people hear imaginary music or voices inside their heads. While the cause of MES is still unknown, there are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss what musical ear syndrome is, its causes and symptoms, and how it can be treated.

What is Musical Ear Syndrome?

MES is a condition where people hear imaginary music or voices inside their heads. The music can be from any genre, and it can be either pleasant or unpleasant. People with this condition may hear the music constantly, or it may come and go. Some people with MES report hearing the same song over and over again, while others say they hear a variety of songs. The music may also be accompanied by voices, which can either be real or imaginary.

What Causes Musical Ear Syndrome?

The cause of MES is still unknown. However, there are some theories that have been proposed. One theory suggests that the condition is caused by changes in the way the brain processes sound. Another theory suggests that this condition is caused by changes in the way the ear hears sound. Also, some research suggests that musical ear syndrome may be caused by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Or even something as simple as a change in routine or diet can be a trigger. Other triggers include, but are not limited to:

Stress
Lack of sleep
Depression
Anxiety

What are the Symptoms of Musical Ear Syndrome?

The most common symptom of this syndrome is hearing music or voices when there is no external source of sound. This can be either constant or intermittent. Other symptoms include:

Hearing music that is not being played externally, like from a radio or television
Hearing music that you have never heard before
Hearing music that is from a genre that you don’t usually listen to, like classical if you typically listen to pop
Hearing music that is accompanied by voices, like a choir singing
Hearing music that is so loud that it interferes with your ability to hear other sounds
Hearing voices that are not your own, like someone talking to you
Hearing voices that are from people you know or don’t know
Hearing voices that are talking to you or about you, like saying your name

Are There Tests or a Diagnosis for Musical Ear Syndrome?

At this time, there is no specific test or diagnosis for MES. However, your audiologist may ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They will examine your ears, head, and neck. They may also order tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as a brain tumor or epilepsy. The questions that might be asked are:

Do you hear music or voices when there is no external source of sound?
What type of music do you hear?
Is the music constant, or does it come and go?
How long have you been hearing the music or voices?
Does the music interfere with your ability to hear other sounds?
Do you hear voices that are not your own?
Do the voices talk to you or about you?
What type of mood are you in?
Are you under a lot of stress?
How is your sleep?

What are the Treatments for Musical Ear Syndrome?

There is no cure for MES. However, there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms. One treatment option is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that can help you change the way you think about and react to your symptoms. Other treatment options include medications and sound therapy. Sound therapy involves listening to calming music or white noise to help mask the imaginary music you are hearing. Another treatment option is counseling. Counseling can help people with this disorder manage their condition and live a normal life.

Can a Hearing Aid Help?

Some people with MES find that a hearing aid helps to lessen the symptoms by amplifying sound. Additionally, masking features can sometimes provide relief in the form of white or static noise. If you are considering a hearing aid, it is important to speak with your audiologist to see if it is right for you.

If you want to learn more about conditions impacting your auditory health, please get in touch with Desert Hearing Care at (480) 374-1846 for an appointment. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.