What Is Musical Ear Syndrome?

Do you ever hear music when there is no playing? If so, you may have a condition called musical ear syndrome (MES). MES is a condition where a person experiences auditory hallucinations or false perceptions of sound. These sounds are usually music-related, hence the name musical ear syndrome.

Who Can Experience Musical Ear Syndrome?

MES can occur in both children and adults. It is more common in adults, however. The condition is also more common in people with hearing loss. In fact, many people with MES first notice the condition when they start to experience hearing loss.

Types of Musical Ear Syndrome

There are two types of MES: primary and secondary. Primary MES occurs in people who do not have any other health conditions. Secondary MES occurs in people who have other health conditions that can cause auditory hallucinations, such as dementia or schizophrenia.

Does Musical Ear Syndrome Require Treatment?

MES is a benign condition and does not require treatment. However, if the condition is causing distress, there are some treatments that can help. If you think you may have MES, please consult with your audiologist. They will be able to rule out other causes of your symptoms and provide you with resources and information about MES.

What Causes Musical Ear Syndrome?

The exact cause of musical ear syndrome is unknown. However, there are some theories about what may cause the condition. One theory is that MES is caused by changes in the brain. These changes may be due to hearing loss, aging or other health conditions.

Another theory is that MES is caused by damage to the auditory nerve. This damage may be due to exposure to loud noise, certain medications or other health conditions. Finally, some experts believe that MES is caused by a combination of factors. These factors may include changes in the brain, damage to the auditory nerve and other health conditions.

No matter what the cause of MES is, it is important to remember that the condition is benign and does not require treatment. However, if the condition is causing distress, there are some treatments that can help.

What Are the Symptoms of Musical Ear Syndrome?

The main symptom of musical ear syndrome is hearing music when there is none playing. This music may sound like it is coming from inside your head or from outside of your head. The music may be faint or loud.

Other symptoms of MES include:

• Hearing voices when there is no one around.
• Hearing other sounds, such as ringing or buzzing, when there is no external source.
• Experiencing the feeling of fullness in your ears.
• Having difficulty hearing when there is background noise.

If you think you may have MES, please consult with your audiologist. They will be able to rule out other causes of your symptoms and provide you with resources and information about MES.

What Are the Treatments for Musical Ear Syndrome?

MES is a benign condition and does not require treatment. However, if the condition is causing distress, there are some treatments that can help. One treatment option for MES is sound therapy. Sound therapy involves using sounds to change the way your brain responds to noise. This can be done by listening to calming music or sounds. It can also be done by wearing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.

Another treatment option for MES is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that helps you change the way you think about and respond to your symptoms. CBT can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress being caused by musical ear syndrome.

Finally, some people with MES may benefit from medication. Medication can be used to treat underlying conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Medication can also be used to help with sleep problems.

However, if the condition is causing distress, there are several treatments that can help. If you think you may have MES, please consult with your audiologist. They will be able to rule out other causes of your symptoms and provide you with resources and information about MES.

Get In Touch

Physicians Hearing Center offers a variety of services to help those with hearing loss, including custom hearing aids. If you think you may benefit from a hearing aid, please call us at (334) 441-4090 to schedule a consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the best solution for your needs.