It’s true that everyone gets a song stuck in their head from time to time. Have you heard the sounds of singing or music when you know that there isn’t anything playing? You could be suffering from a condition known as musical ear syndrome.
What is Musical Ear Syndrome?
Musical ear syndrome (MES) is a condition where a person has auditory hallucinations. This condition is usually a sign of hearing loss. The exact mechanism behind why this condition happens is unknown. This condition is rarely diagnosed in patients.
The brain collects information every single day from the world around you. When you have hearing loss, the brain is still trying to have its sense of hearing. When there is no sound, it will start to create sounds. In the case of musical ear syndrome, these sounds are musical. In other cases, they can be ringing or buzzing, which you know as tinnitus.
Symptoms of MES
Each person with MES has their own set of symptoms that signifies their condition. For some people, they may hear a single instrument playing a simple melody. For others, they may hear many instruments playing complex pieces of music. Even further, others may hear a voice singing common melodies. Ear doctors classify any music that a person hears that isn’t from an external source as MES.
Causes of MES
The mechanics behind MES are still not well understood. There are three causes associated with this condition in many studies. First is the presence of hearing loss. You’ve already learned that the brain will create sound via auditory hallucinations.
The next is a cochlear implant. This cause is very much in its early stage of research. A recent study showed that a higher number of patients who had an implant developed the symptoms of MES. Certain medications can also cause auditory hallucinations.
Treatment for MES
Since MES still has a lot of questions surrounding it, there is no standard hearing care treatment for it. Patients have found success with different forms of treatment. Hearing aids are one of the most common since MES is a problem with your hearing. In other cases, cognitive behavioral therapy can help the brain to ignore the music. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help tinnitus patients manage their symptoms as well.
Contact Us Today
If you’re currently experiencing MES, it’s time to contact our office. Let our hearing care professionals assess your condition. We can recommend treatments to assist you in hearing better. Let Atkins Hearing Center protect your hearing throughout your life. call us today to schedule an appointment.
