What is Musical Ear Syndrome?

Musical ear syndrome (MES) is a condition in which auditory hallucinations are experienced by the patient. As you might have guessed from the name, people experiencing this syndrome will hear music or song which is not actually there. MES usually occurs in individuals who are already experiencing hearing loss and is caused by the brain conjuring up music and song to fill in the space left by hearing loss where sound would usually be present.

Sometimes, musical ear syndrome is referred to as musical tinnitus because it is not at all dissimilar from this condition; music and song can be heard alongside buzzing, high-pitched hissing sounds which are common to people who have been diagnosed with tinnitus too. However, they are two distinct conditions with musical ear syndrome often being more intense in that music, dinging or even radio shows will be heard at very regular intervals if not continuously all of the time, whereas tinnitus can be much less regular for many people. 

What is Musical Ear Syndrome Caused By?

Any audiologist will tell you that there is not one single cause of musical ear syndrome, but we think that it is primarily caused by the brain’s response to a lack of auditory stimulation when hearing loss occurs. When the brain does not hear as much sound as it once did, it will start to go into overdrive and compensate for the silence by procuring its own auditory stimulation in the form of music and singing.

Who is Likely to Experience Musical Ear Syndrome?

Musical ear syndrome is far more likely to be experienced by older people who have been diagnosed by their audiologist with hearing loss. However, it can be experienced by people of any age who have some degree of hearing loss, and it is also very commonly experienced by people who are also experiencing anxiety and depression.

What is the Treatment for Musical Ear Syndrome?

Since we are still not 100% clear on the causes of MES, there is no specific treatment available for the condition as of yet. However, your audiologist will be able to advise you about several things you can do to minimize its impact, including the following:

Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis and learning as much as you can about the condition will remove the fear that often comes with hearing sounds that are not there. It can be scary and anxiety-inducing when you hear sounds and voices, but by having it diagnosed as MES you can put your mind at rest that it is not something like a mental health condition that might be more serious. Talking to your audiologist about MES and your diagnoses, to see what the best course of action will be for you.

Hearing Aids

Some people find that hearing aids help to reduce the number of phantom sounds they hear because it increases the number of real sounds they can hear, and this means the brain does not have to fill in so many of the gaps. Some of the hearing aid options include behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC).

Relaxation Techniques

Techniques like mindfulness meditation and yoga, which help you to relax and get in tune with your body have been found to be helpful for many people who have been diagnosed with MES. It enables you to focus your brain on your body and the moment so that you pay less attention to the sounds your brain is generating and can hopefully tune them out more effectively.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT therapy is often used for the treatment of tinnitus and MES. It trains your brain to ignore the sounds you’re hearing more often so you can find more peace in your life more often. Even if you do not seek any other form of treatment, it can be quite effective.

Medication Changes

Some medications, like Zoloft for example, have been linked to an increase in MES symptoms, so by speaking to your physician and having your medications adjusted or changed, if you think they may be contributing to your symptoms, you can easily improve your hearing.

Talk to an Audiologist Today

If you would like to know more about musical ear syndrome and its effects, you can speak to an experienced audiologist by calling Two Rivers Hearing at (321) 499-2488. We are here to help with all of your hearing-related issues, no matter how big or small, so do not hesitate to get in touch.