Musical

[Harrier58]

Hi, my T has developed into musical hallucinations/tinnitus- does anyone else have this and can offer any support or advice.

[Happyrosie]

I used to have it very occasionally in my teens but it went away. The advice on this subject is on the British Tinnitus Association website. Put “musical” into their search box.

[Titan2857 in reply to Happyrosie]

I have had musical tinnitus for over 1 year now ,it started with musical like sound then I heard Silent Night on repeat.I now hear dozens of familiar songs.I have appointment with ENT in June, finding it hard to deal with.

[Harrier58 in reply to Titan2857]

Hi Titan2857, thank you for your message. It is very hard to deal with. I'm finding it quite frightening - I just have to do deep breathing and remind myself this will not hurt me.

[Titan2857 in reply to Harrier58]

I found it quite unsettling at first as I had never heard of it but am slowly getting used to it, we just have to plod on and keep breathing .

[Beesmac]

Hi Harrier58. I too have musical tinnitus. I had a low grade tinnitus for many years which didn’t bother me until Xmas 2020 when I awoke with Labyrinthitis and found I had lost most of the hearing in my right ear. I was put in high dose steroids but about a week later I was convinced I could hear someone playing Silent Night - outside in the road. My husband checked and said there was no-one there. Next day I could still hear it and actually thought it was funny although annoying! After a couple of weeks I began to get very anxious and scared as I thought I must be losing it!! By this time I could just hear music, undefined and repetitive. I googled why do I hear music when there’s none playing and was shocked to learn I was a classic example of someone who had musical tinnitus. I did go into meltdown - my G P had never heard of it. I saw ENT consultant and had MRI scan and hearing tests confirmed I was almost totally deaf in my right ear but otherwise nothing sinister going in. I can only suggest you ask to be referred for hearing tests etc and read up as much as you can. I had sessions with audiologist who explained the workings of my ear and explained that it was my brain, recognising that there was no sound going in my right ear decided, as I was a music lover to fill my head with music. I took a long time to come to terms with it and still get very bad days. I went through all sorts of emotions but think I have accepted my musical tinnitus. I do get overwhelmed in a noisy environment as my tinnitus likes to be heard above other sounds. See your GP and ask to be referred but try and stay calm - breathing exercises help me. Good luck x

[Harrier58 in reply to Beesmac]

Hi Beesmac, thank you for your message. I've had a couple of bouts of labrynthitus too. I totally get what you say about it liking to be heard. I am very early days and get times when I think there is only one way out of this. It feels like my life has stopped. Have hearing test and ENT over next couple of days. I think getting over the fear of it would be good. Glad to hear you are having some better days. x

[Beesmac in reply to Harrier58]

Hi Harrier58 - It’s not easy and I’ve been in that dark deep place too. I have 2mg diazepam which I take occasionally, oddly enough I may not get instant relief but the next day the music is usually quieter. I cannot cope with stressful situations any more. Good luck with your appointments - I always take a list of questions I want to ask and please let us know how you get on x

[Harrier58 in reply to Beesmac]

Thank you for your support - doesn't seem to be many of us around with this. Will keep in touch. I have diazepam but am always worrying about the effects of the drugs. While I am typing there is a lawn mower outside and it is triggering my tunes x

[Harrier58 in reply to Beesmac]

Hi again Beesmac - what sort of questions would/did you ask. I am seeing private ENT as can't wait any longer for NHS and obs is expensive. x

[Beesmac in reply to Harrier58]

Hi - he should suggest a hearing test for you. If not then ask if you should have one. He will probably suggest an MRI scan and will be able to see if there are any abnormalities in your ears. I would also give them a brief history of any other medical conditions along with any medication you take. I too paid to see a specialist as I was desperate. I also paid to have an MRI scan and the consultant set it up with a Nuffield Hospital. That way if you can afford it you will get results much quicker . Look up Nuffield and MRI of head - I thought it was going to be very expensive but wasn’t as bad as I thought. You can try asking if there is any medication that would help but generally they are of the opinion that in time you will adjust and accept the tinnitus. This is so hard but we are all suffering in one way or another be it music or other unbearable noises. You are not alone. Read as much as you can on ways to try and distract yourself. I have been gardening all day and this helps take my mind off what is happening. x

[Harrier58 in reply to Beesmac]

I had an MRI which was very loud and prob didn't help things but was normal. GP thought I'd had a stroke so sent me. I didn't realise labrynthitus could be so destructive. Tried most of the standard drugs they just make me feel worse even more nauseous and depressed. Seems distraction is the way forward. Yes as you say we are all suffering in our own private ways with this. So grateful for this site

[Happyrosie in reply to Beesmac]

Beesmac, your audiologists’s explanation of musical tinnitus is such a good one - thanks for sharing!

[Harrier58 in reply to Beesmac]

Hi again, being new to this I am hypersensitive. I'm finding even watching TV or listening to anything triggers it off - doesn't even need to be loud - do you find this

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Just following on from some of the supportive and helpful posts here, the guidance from our website on Musical Hallucination can be found here: tinnitus.org.uk/musical-hal...

If you want a more clinical take on the same topic - beware medical jargon! - this piece from ENT and Audiology News magazine is very interesting:

entandaudiologynews.com/fea...

[Beesmac]

I cannot have the television on too loud but my husband puts the subtitles on for me so concentrating on that helps. I do not like being in noisy places and try and avoid hanging on whilst trying to get through on the telephone - my head begins to feel full very quickly. I cannot listen to music as the Labyrinthitis robbed me of hearing higher tones so everything sounds distorted. I am at my best when tucked up in bed, hearing aids out and getting involved in a good book. I read til I drop off!! hope some of this has helped x

[Harrier58 in reply to Beesmac]

Thank you - yes it sounds about right - very similar

[wednesday]

I have this, sometimes it sounds like a choir singing. Thought I was going crazy but audiologist said it does happen.

[Harrier58 in reply to wednesday]

I know it feels a bit like that