Why do songs get stuck in your head? Harvard expert and Cleveland Clinic explain the surprising science behind 'earworms' and how to stop them
Published on: July 16, 2026, 12:09 a.m. | Source: The Economic Times
Earworms are common involuntary musical images that replay in our minds. Catchy melodies and emotional memories often trigger these repeating tunes. The brain's phonological loop system helps process sounds and verbal information. Listening to the full song or chewing gum can help stop earworms. These musical loops are usually normal and disappear on their own.
