What is Musical Ear Syndrome?

Musical ear syndrome is an unusual hearing condition that affects some people. The inner ear has a snail-like structure called the cochlear that transmutes sound waves into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. It uses small cilia hairs to change the sound signals.

Over time these cilia hairs can become damaged, and they can also be damaged by loud noises in the environment. When the follicles are damaged, the brain fills in the blanks with information it has stored and, in some cases, the blanks are familiar musical sounds.

Musical Ear Syndrome (MES) 

Most people have had the experience of having a song stuck in their heads, but that is not musical ear syndrome. Musical ear syndrome is the experience of hearing music in a local environment that isn’t there. Musical ear syndrome occurs when an issue with the hearing system causes the brain to fill in the blanks using familiar sense impressions. 

MES Causes 

Some people experience MES and think it’s a sign of dementia, but this is not the case. MES is more likely to be a symptom of some hearing loss dues to damaged cilia in the cochlea or inner ear; the experience is caused by the brain filling in the gaps in sound missing thanks to missing cilia hairs. The condition can also be caused by cochlear implants and certain medication use.  

Hearing Loss 

One common cause of MES, or hearing music in an environment that doesn’t exist is hearing loss. Hearing loss is very common and is usually caused by damaged cilia hears in the ear canal or the cochlea. The cochlea is a snail-shaped structure that transmutes sound waves into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. Damage to the cochlea can cause the MES condition.

Cochlear Implants 

Although there are still many unknowns when it comes to our understanding of MES, there appears to be a close correlation between the MES condition and the cochlear region of the ear. Cochlear implants are used to improve hearing quality by substituting for damaged or absent cilia hairs. If the implants are damaged or missing, people might experience mysterious sounds.   

Medications 

Several medications are responsible for auditory hallucinations that can cause an experience of musical ear syndrome. If you hear music in the environment, check with someone else if they can hear it too; if they can’t, there’s a chance it’s an auditory hallucination. There is a higher likelihood of auditory hallucinations if you take medication, so consult an audiologist. 

MES Treatments 

Musical ear syndrome is not always a serious condition; in most cases, it indicates some variation in your hearing and brain interpretations that can be resolved with lifestyle changes. Other times, you might require more professional treatment options, such as a hearing device or some cognitive behavioral therapy that trains you to notice sounds and disconnect from them.  

Hearing Aids 

One of the most conventional solutions to MES is a hearing device. In most cases, MES causes bay changes to hearing in the cochlear region. Fitting a hearing aid helps to counter hearing variation and fills in the blanks. Hearing aids improve the quality of sound that reaches the brain improving its ability to recognize and interpret signals and reducing MES symptoms.   

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Treatment 

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular form of therapy that trains people to notice their behavior patterns and take appropriate action. CBT can’t prevent the experience of MES, but it can change how an individual responds to the condition. For instance, someone might hear music and understand that it’s MES. The music no longer causes distress to the individual. 

Medication 

If you experience MES and it causes you distress talk to an audiologist about possible solutions. An audiologist might suggest a hearing aid device or some CBT, but if these solutions aren’t effective, medication is an option. Some antipsychotic medications are effective against the condition, but they also cause side effects. Discuss options with an audiologist.

Musical ear syndrome is a disconcerting condition, but it’s also quite common. MES isn’t always a serious condition either, although it can point to hearing issues that need to be addressed. If you hear music that’s not there, your options are therapy, medication and hearing aids. 

If you think you can hear music double-check with someone in the area and monitor the situation. If it happens again, contact an audiologist. Chances are the condition is caused by a hearing condition in the inner ear that needs to be suitably addressed. Consult with the team at Flynn Associates today by calling us today at: Concord: (978) 759-3540 or Wellesley: (781) 943-5040.