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I find it impossible to properly follow two dissimilar tunes at the same time, or to imagine one tune while physically hearing another. So my trick for banishin

I find it impossible to properly follow two dissimilar tunes at the same time, or to imagine one tune while physically hearing another. So my trick for banishing earworms is to find something else to physically listen to, and then actively engage with trying to sustain the earworm. Lean into it, try to imagine the earworm in full detail, while the ears are telling the brain "hey, process this" It usually does the trick. I think that trying to engage the earworm activates certain neurons that sustain it, but the imperative of actual sensory input competing for those same neurons disrupts the pattern that's gotten stuck. YMMV

shakna 1y ago
Incidentally, one of the things that flagged for my doctor before my diagnosis with Asperger's, was that I can listen to multiple songs in my head at once. Apparently it can happen a fair bit in the ADHD spectrum of the neurological rainbow. Some in my circles call it "jukeboxing".
- slfnflctd 1y ago
  I had a friend who would intentionally put on two different songs at the same time and claimed they enjoyed it. I always suspected it was just another way of being provocative or to stimulate creativity (they were a creative person who liked provoking others), but maybe there was more to it.
  - shakna 1y ago
    I do try not to if others are around... But I have been known to do that. Sometimes a couple songs, a TV show, and a game all going at once. I've figured its just the sensory-seeking stuff going out of control - usually indicating I'm going a bit stir crazy and need to go for a walk.
- 123pie123 1y ago
  I get music ALL the time from morning to night every day, there is only one way to turn it off and get peace and that's to get somewhat drunk It can be the same song, but I can change it fairly easily I'm highly likely AuDHD
CompoundEyes 1y ago
I researched this awhile back they call it Default Mode Network (DMN) which it’s our brains idle mode. Some people’s DMN includes “musical thoughts”. I write music all the time and I think it might be more intense for some due to genetics (my grandparents were old time radio performers and all their kids musicians) or nurtured more by engaging with music (e.g instrument, singer, avid listener). It’s normal for many (humming). I surveyed my 30 classmates in high school class once and on the spot most said they had a song they were “thinking” about. I usually am just cutting up and repeating bits of things. Not much different than daydreaming and “visual thoughts”.
perlgeek 1y ago
I know several people with ADHD who have several songs stuck in their had at the same time. If they try to engage with a different tune, they now have two in their head. And it goes on, up to six and sometimes even more. Tough luck.

shakna 1y ago

Incidentally, one of the things that flagged for my doctor before my diagnosis with Asperger's, was that I can listen to multiple songs in my head at once. Apparently it can happen a fair bit in the ADHD spectrum of the neurological rainbow. Some in my circles call it "jukeboxing".

slfnflctd 1y ago
I had a friend who would intentionally put on two different songs at the same time and claimed they enjoyed it. I always suspected it was just another way of being provocative or to stimulate creativity (they were a creative person who liked provoking others), but maybe there was more to it.
- shakna 1y ago
  I do try not to if others are around... But I have been known to do that. Sometimes a couple songs, a TV show, and a game all going at once. I've figured its just the sensory-seeking stuff going out of control - usually indicating I'm going a bit stir crazy and need to go for a walk.
123pie123 1y ago
I get music ALL the time from morning to night every day, there is only one way to turn it off and get peace and that's to get somewhat drunk It can be the same song, but I can change it fairly easily I'm highly likely AuDHD

CompoundEyes 1y ago

I researched this awhile back they call it Default Mode Network (DMN) which it’s our brains idle mode. Some people’s DMN includes “musical thoughts”. I write music all the time and I think it might be more intense for some due to genetics (my grandparents were old time radio performers and all their kids musicians) or nurtured more by engaging with music (e.g instrument, singer, avid listener). It’s normal for many (humming). I surveyed my 30 classmates in high school class once and on the spot most said they had a song they were “thinking” about. I usually am just cutting up and repeating bits of things. Not much different than daydreaming and “visual thoughts”.

perlgeek 1y ago

I know several people with ADHD who have several songs stuck in their had at the same time. If they try to engage with a different tune, they now have two in their head. And it goes on, up to six and sometimes even more. Tough luck.