Audiological and Otologic Characteristics of Patients with Musical Hallucinations

BACKGROUND: Musical hallucinations have a great impact on a patient's life, but because of the rare frequency of occurrence and multiple causes, not enough research has been conducted on this topic yet, especially in Korea. Many patients with musical hallucinations have audiological and otologic problems. This study investigated the clinical manifestations of musical hallucinations in patients. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed clinical data from patients with musical hallucinations who visited the outpatient clinic of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea, for 7 years, from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021. RESULTS: Seven of 9 patients were female, the average age was 67.1 (52-89) years, and post-lingual hearing loss was diagnosed in all patients. They listened to songs 1-3 over and over again for 5.4 (±6.1) years. Four patients had chronic otitis media or underwent tympanomastoidectomy surgery because of chronic otitis media. Audiological rehabilitation was performed, including cochlear implantation surgery, in one patient. CONCLUSION: In most cases, patients with musical hallucinations had audiological and otologic symptoms. Therefore, when patients complaining of musical hallucinations visit the hospital, it is essential to perform an audiological and otologic evaluation, and treatment for their symptoms should be considered.