Musical Ear Syndrome: A Guide to Causes and Treatment Options
Musical Ear Syndrome, also sometimes described as musical tinnitus, is a characterized by the experience of hearing music that is not actually playing. People affected by this condition may hear songs or instrumental pieces playing in their head without any external source of sound. I’m Dr. Amy, an expert on hearing loss and hearing healthcare. As an audiologist, I’ve sometimes had patients tell me about musical sounds they hear in their ears without relation to music playing around them. Research suggests that musical ear syndrome affects up to 0.5% of adults and can be very disruptive to daily life. Let’s take a closer look at what causes musical ear syndrome and what treatment options are available.
What Causes Musical Ear Syndrome?
Musical Ear Syndrome is not a well-studied phenomenon. Unlike visual hallucinations, experiencing musical ear syndrome can be more complicated. Currently, the exact cause of musical ear syndrome is still unknown, however there are several potential risk factors associated with spontaneous musical auditory perceptions. These include hearing loss, cognitive decline such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, certain medications, depression, anxiety, and traumatic brain injury. It is important to note that these conditions alone do not necessarily lead to musical ear syndrome; rather they can increase the risk for developing the disorder.
What Are Musical Hallucinations?
Musical hallucinations are auditory experiences in which a person hears music that does not exist outside of his or her own mind. Those affected may describe hearing full-length songs from start to finish, notes from an unfamiliar piece of music, or just random snippets of sound.
The type and length of music experienced can vary greatly from person to person and can even mimic their own voice or those around them. For patients I’ve worked with, they’ve typically reported it as songs they remember from childhood or instrumental music (without lyrics). In some cases, the individual may recognize it as an internal experience rather than something that is actually happening in the environment.
How Common Is Musical Ear Syndrome?
Research has found that less than 0.5% of adults have experienced musical ear syndrome at some point in their lives. However, there is a lot that we don’t know about musical ear syndrome, and it is likely underreported. Tinnitus is much more common, with approximately 50 million Americans experiencing it each year.
Some published case studies report musical hallucinations for some patients with cochlear implants. Potentially, this has to do with stimulation of the auditory cortex when the speech processor device is removed from the head, for example at night, in adult cochlear implant patients.
Treatment Options
The treatment for musical ear syndrome varies depending on the underlying cause.
Hearing Aids
If you have a hearing impairment, try hearing aids.
Read more about insurance coverage of hearing aids
If your hearing loss is aidable, a hearing aid is an excellent option to provide the brain with stimulus that can help quiet the music sounds in the brain. Hearing aids mask noise and provide the brain with the auditory stimulation it lacks.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage Music Ear Syndrome. If stress triggers episodes, CBT can help find ways to manage symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
If it has been linked to another medical condition, such as dementia or mental health concerns, then treatment should be focused on managing these issues first to reduce symptoms associated with musical ear syndrome. In other cases where there is no apparent cause, medication may be prescribed to manage any associated symptoms (e.g., delusions).
Conclusion:
Musical Ear Syndrome can be an off-putting condition but fortunately, there are some available treatment options to help. However, understanding what causes this disorder can help individuals better manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes or medications if necessary. Additionally, engaging in CBT sessions with a licensed therapist can help manage stress and may help relieve auditory hallucinations associated with musical ear syndrome. With proper management strategies, individuals living with this condition can continue leading fulfilling lives despite experiencing episodes of musical ear syndrome.
