My church choir friend, pre-Covid days, sometimes complained to me of a song which we had been practicing, running repeatedly through her head. I get that too, and I am sure some of you would have had the same experience.
In case you are not aware, this phenomenon even has a name. It is called earworm. Earworm is described as a catchy song or tune that continuously runs through a person’s mind.
Origin of name
The English word is actually over a thousand years old, and was another name for earwig. There was a mistaken belief that the earwig crawled into people’s ears, hence earworm was its other name.
An alternative name is stuck song syndrome, but I prefer earworm.
Is earworm a disease?
Earworm is not a disease. It can happen to anyone, and it generally disappears on its own within a short time. Apparently up to 98% of people in the Western world have experienced earworms.
Earworms can cause insomnia. For those with mental health issues, it can cause stress or obsession. If earworm persists for more than 24 hours, you should see a doctor, as it can be related to brain system disorders.
Marketing Ploy
Commercials can exploit earworms as a marketing ploy, using catchy jingles which can get repeated over and over again in the recipient’s mind, to create a positive image for a product.
Management of Earworm
Avoid listening to songs over and over again. Divert attention by engaging in other activities. Chewing of gum apparently helps, as jaw movements can reduce musical cognition.
Good News
The good news is that this wriggly and unappealing name is just a piece of music that won’t get out of your head, but it will disappear on its own in a short time.
lingsinglin
Dr Ling Sing Lin is a medical doctor by training. She worked in MOH HQ for many years, in policy making and administrative positions, until her retirement.
