We’ve all had that song that gets stuck in your head or maybe it’s that jingle on a commercial that you hear repeatedly until you find yourself humming it, even when it’s not even on the radio. Now imagine how stressful it would be hear music – it could be a song or just a musical rife without words and no one else can hear it! That’s musical ear syndrome, which is actually considered auditory hallucinations. As always, if you think you have this or any other hearing issues, make an appointment at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services.

Understanding Musical Ear Syndrome

Musical ear syndrome, which is sometimes called musical hallucinations or auditory hallucinations, is more common than you may think. It can be very stressful to individuals who are afraid they may be experiencing a mental breakdown.

Auditory hallucinations affect more than five percent of the population. About 22% of patients who have had cochlear implants experience auditory hallucinations either before or after the implant. Musical ear syndrome can occur in people of all ages, with normal hearing. Furthermore, tinnitus and stress do not seem to be factors.

However, a large portion of people who have musical ear syndrome also have hearing loss. People hear the music and think it is coming from next door or outside. One doctor relates the story of a patient with the syndrome banging on her apartment walls and yelling for her neighbor to turn down the music. Another patient with similar issues had to leave an apartment complex because the other tenants were fed up with the accusations about playing their music too loudly. Ironically, if a room is very quiet, the sounds of musical ear syndrome can become more noticeable.

These musical hallucinations are disturbing and for some, they can affect the quality of life. Education about musical ear syndrome can relieve fears that those suffering these sounds.

The Causes for Musical Ear Syndrome are Unknown

There are a number of theories as to what causes musical ear syndrome, but there are no definitive answers. One theory is that hearing loss makes the auditory cortex of the brain, which receives sound, become hypersensitive. Another theory is that musical ear syndrome is a sort of hybrid tinnitus, in that it has the same neural or nerve characteristics of tinnitus. An extra activation in the brain goes from just hearing whooshing or ringing to hearing music instead.

Some ototoxic medications have been suggested as causing musical ear syndrome. Ototoxic medications are “poisonous to the ear.” If you are currently taking medication, do not stop taking your medication but do discuss your experiences with musical ear syndrome with your primary care provider.  There are almost 375 brand name medications that contain substances that could harm your inner ear and cause auditory hallucinations.

Some of those with musical ear syndrome report that the auditory issues start when the air conditioner turns on, the refrigerator fan starts, or the heat turns on. Researchers think the brain hears the rhythmic cycling noise and translates it into a more complex sound with the help of your own memory.

Treatment for Musical Ear Syndrome

If you believe a prescription drug might be causing your medical ear syndrome, you should consult with your primary care provider. Again, it is important to stress that you do not discontinue medication until you speak to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to give you alternate treatment options that could alleviate the symptoms of musical ear syndrome.

The experience of musical ear syndrome could indicate that a hearing loss is present. In order to determine whether or not you have a hearing loss, consider having your hearing evaluated at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services. If a hearing loss is detected, the use of hearing aids could help alleviate musical ear syndrome, in the same way that tinnitus therapies help alleviate the “ringing of the ear.” Using hearing aids helps you focus on the sounds you want to hear and the stimulation might block the brain from creating sounds on its own.

Visit Us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services

Are you experiencing changes in your hearing? The first step is toward better hearing health is a hearing test. Contact us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services and schedule a hearing exam today! Our team is dedicated to helping you enjoy better hearing health.