The 'Musical Ear' Phenomenon: When Tinnitus Sounds Like a Song
For most people, tinnitus is a persistent, high-pitched ringing, a dull humming, or even a rhythmic pulsation in sync with their heartbeat (known as pulsatile tinnitus). But for a small fraction of people, tinnitus takes a rather peculiar form – music. Snatches of a tune, phantom symphonies, or even full-blown orchestral arrangements play on an endless loop inside their heads, even though there is no external source producing the sound. This phenomenon is known as musical ear syndrome (MES), a condition that blurs the lines between perception and illusion.
When the Brain Composes Its Own Soundtrack
Hearing music that isn’t there might sound like something straight out of a psychological thriller, but it’s a very real auditory experience. The brain, in its tireless quest to make sense of missing sensory input, can fill in the gaps by generating music, much like it does with standard tinnitus. If the auditory system isn’t receiving enough stimulation because of hearing loss, neurological conditions, or even prolonged silence, the brain compensates by creating its own sounds.
This is why pulsatile tinnitus and musical tinnitus can sometimes overlap. The underlying causes of pulsatile tinnitus, such as vascular irregularities, increased blood turbulence, or heightened neural activity, can sometimes trigger distortions in the way the brain processes sound. When combined with an already compromised auditory system, it’s not impossible for rhythmic pulsations to morph into perceived musical tones.
What Does Musical Tinnitus Sound Like?
People who experience musical tinnitus report hearing anything from faint, repetitive jingles to complex classical compositions. Unlike earworms, where a song gets stuck in your head due to recent exposure, MES occurs without any external stimulus. It can take many forms:
Humming choirs or distant orchestras
Familiar songs playing on repeat
A mash-up of musical fragments that don’t exist
Melodies in sync with a pulsating tinnitus rhythm
For some, these phantom tunes are subtle, almost like hearing a radio playing in another room. For others, the music is vivid and intrusive, making it difficult to distinguish reality from illusion.
Who Experiences Musical Tinnitus?
Musical ear syndrome is most common in people with hearing loss, particularly in the higher frequency ranges. As hearing deteriorates, the brain attempts to 'fill in the blanks', sometimes with tinnitus, and in rarer cases, with music. Older adults and those with long-term exposure to loud noise – such as musicians, DJs, and concertgoers – are particularly susceptible.
Interestingly, those with a musical background tend to experience a more structured form of MES, where the phantom sounds align with recognisable musical scales and harmonies. Some musicians even report hearing compositions they’ve never consciously encountered before – almost as if their brains are inventing new music.
What Causes the Brain to 'Mishear' Music?
Musical tinnitus and pulsatile tinnitus share some intriguing neural mechanisms. Both involve hyperactivity in the auditory cortex, the area of the brain responsible for processing sound. However, there are several factors that may contribute to musical tinnitus specifically:
Hearing Loss – The absence of external sound triggers the brain to generate auditory input.
Neuroplasticity – The brain’s ability to reorganise itself may lead to unintentional “hallucinations” of music.
Vascular Irregularities – Similar to pulsatile tinnitus, irregular blood flow or increased intracranial pressure can alter auditory perception.
Medications & Neurological Conditions – Certain drugs or conditions affecting the brain can create auditory distortions.
Silence & Sensory Deprivation – Prolonged silence can sometimes cause the brain to fill in missing auditory input with musical fragments.
Can Musical Tinnitus Be Managed?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, there are ways to reduce the impact of musical tinnitus and MES:
Hearing Aids – Restoring lost frequencies with hearing devices can reduce the brain’s need to generate phantom sounds.
Sound Therapy – White noise, nature sounds, or even low-level background music can help mask or retrain the brain’s auditory processing.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Addressing the emotional impact of tinnitus can help people manage distressing symptoms.
Addressing Underlying Causes – If vascular issues contribute to pulsatile tinnitus or MES, seeking medical assessment is crucial.
The Sounds in Silence
Much like pulsatile tinnitus, musical tinnitus highlights the remarkable ways our brains process sound – sometimes in the most unexpected and unpredictable way. From an unwanted heartbeat in the ear to an imaginary orchestra, the auditory system is profoundly interconnected with our perception of the world. Understanding these quirks of the brain helps us find better management strategies and also helps researchers and practitioners better understand the extraordinary complexity of human hearing.
If you’re experiencing musical tinnitus or pulsatile tinnitus, it’s always worth seeking expert advice. Our knowledgeable and understanding team at The Wellbeing by Cubex is here to help you with one-on-one tailored advice and solutions for the circumstances surround your personal hearing.
Book an assessment today to find out how we can assist you on your road to auditory wellbeing.
