How do I handle musical ear syndrome?

[otterpups]

I'm new here. I have what Oliver Sacks described in his "Hallucinations" book as musical ear syndrome. I am not a musician but have always loved "songs" and other music. My whole family often sang, just to ourselves, alone or together, doing dishes or riding in the car. This music goes on and on for the last few years in my head. Sometimes it gets even louder when I am trying to read something or listen to other real music. I know lyrics of popular songs from 30s thru 90s so when a melody is played I can't help "singing" in my head, even when I don't want to or really dislike the song. Distracting does not help neither does "environmental" tapes. Am not heavily medicated save for B/P and thyroid rx's. Anyone else have this? What meds might help? Apparently there are tinnitis meds now. Would that help me? Otterpups

[Chall11]

Hi there. Wow how interesting and how clever our brains are. It sounds like you are very musical indeed. Mine is more of a reactive tinnitus where my brain will mimic sounds that it doesn’t like if I have been very stressed. It settles eventually but has been quite distressing. I think it’s like with OCD if u try push the thoughts or sounds away they just come back stronger and more intrusive! Do you write music as well. It sounds like you have such a talent there although I can appreciate it gets very annoying!

[KingLudwigII]

Yeah I have music playing almost constantly in my head , as well as millions of intrusive thoughts all jostling for attention....There's probably not a lot ypu can do, doping up on anti depressants is just depressing, I try and stay relaxed and not attempt too many things at once, keeping life simple helps to calm the.mind ...focusing on things helps. ..I'll able to 'step back' from the music and thoughts , try not to get overwhelmed by them. ..and sometime enjoy the way my brain can have all this stuff going on!!

[Hidden]

I have tinnitus, it is the tea kettle whistle type, like the old fashioned tea kettle that you put on the stove.

My husband has tinnitus too. He hears what he describes as an opera singer and it can go on and on. Neither one of us listens to opera music, we are not fans at all. He is not interested in medication and chooses to to tough it out.

What I use on an ~ as needed only basis~ is Clonazepam. It is not for everyone, naturally, but it helps me when the anxiety becomes too much. Always discuss medications with your physician if you decide to go that route.

[Originaljohnwayne in reply to Hidden]

Hey, kinda wondered if it started with 2 or 3 different songs, mine did, it's been about 5 yrs since it began, absolutely horrible,, good luck..

[Originaljohnwayne]

Excellent question , I've had M.E.S. for estimated 5yrs, absolutely unbelievable, if someone told me the same thing, I would think they were crazy, clicking ,popping, static, frying ,singing voices, pulsatile sensations, absolutely unreal,,, God bless....