The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

My friend came across MES (musical ear syndrome) online and told me about it. I am convinced I have it. What causes it and how is it dealt with?

Musical ear syndrome is fairly common, and in fact probably more common than we know because people are often embarrassed to admit they have it. This can be related to hearing loss and it is thought the brain may fill in the gap by inventing a stimulus. It can be linked to tinnitus – a ringing in the ears – but people who have MES hear music or singing, which can sound as clear as it did before hearing loss occurred. The condition usually affects people who are older. Sufferers may worry they are experiencing psychiatric illness but MES is not a psychiatric condition. It can, however, be very stressful. Dealing with it can involve distracting the brain, for example by turning on the radio, to give it something else to work on. Hearing aids can also help. Contact your doctor to arrange to be referred for a hearing test.

I have a patch of skin on my upper back and another on my lower leg that are numb to touch. I have been aware of them for a few months now. Should I be worried?

Numbness – or tingling sensation – can be due to nerve damage. We see this with slipped discs and carpal tunnel syndrome, for example. However, there are a number of conditions that may cause patches of altered sensation, such as multiple sclerosis or mononeuritis multiplex, a disorder of the nerves that can occur in several conditions, such as diabetes. Contact your GP to have it checked out.

My heels are constantly hard and cracked. I have tried pumice stones and a whole range of emollients to tackle the problem but nothing helps. What should I do?

You are doing all the right things. Your emollient should be water retaining, those containing urea or salycilic acid are good. Speak to a pharmacist or contact a podiatrist – usually available through the NHS, although access may currently be limited due to Covid-19 – who may advise trying dressings and heel pads.