Oxford Sparks Big Questions

How do earworms work?

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Episode notes

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head that you just can't shake? A few bars or lyrics that just keep looping all day long? Well, we have delved into the science behind 'earworms' with Dr Jacob Kingsbury Downs from the Faculty of Music.

A melodic mix of musical imagery, auditory neuroscience, memory and impressive compositions can leave a little ditty echoing in our minds long after the last note has played.

But what you really want to know is how to get rid of an earworm, right? Tune in to find out!