Mom is hearing music that does not exist

My Mom is 98. MES started about 3 years ago. Came and went and is now back loud and clear. It tortures her. She has severe hearing loss, which many Drs believe is the cause. The brain creates sound to fill in the blanks. For almost a year we found leaving a TV on all day created enough noise it drove away the music. She started having mini strokes about 5 months ago. Since then the music is back, TV on or off.
She is miserable. I don’t know what to do for her. Because of her age Drs are resistant to prescribing any anti psychotic medication. So she suffers, as does those around her.. Hence the reason I’m here typing at 1:25 AM.

My Mom had this too. Went from 1920's band music to orchestra to pop, etc. She also has hearing loss.
The past 6 months, it seemed to have lessen but last month she said she kept hearing construction sounds like hammering. Once she knew the cause (before she declined), it helped her to accept it. Then we joked about what station was playing in her head. Thankfully, the humor helped.

@leeleip I am so sorry you are having to deal with this as well as your mom. It shows your love and empathy for her for sure. I had never heard of MES until I read your post. My mom is not to that point yet and I hope she doesn't experience that. I am sure you have tried many things to help. My first thought was wondering if music would actually help? There are meditations on YouTube, like Monks playing Tibetan bowls and other things. I wonder if anything like that might help? White noise or something? Hang in there.

@leeleip , I wasn’t aware of this condition either. If the sounds are causing her distress and/or anxiety, I’d either revisit the medication idea with her doctors or get new doctor’s opinion. Quality of life is a priority for many people and risks often come with medications. However, the risks can be assumed if they bring relief. At a full age, I would think a patient or her caregivers could make that decision with full information.

@celia16 my mom, patient is 98. I am her caregiver. We have spoken to multiple Drs. None had any suggestions that would resolve this we have not tried.
She only takes two medications. Neither have associated side affects.
Thanks

@leeleip , maybe I wasn’t clear with my post. I meant that if the music is causing her mental distress, why can’t that treat her mental anguish with medication?

She is 98 years old. Drs will not prescribe any medication to help her sleep. She is on the lowest dose of Cymbalta. They will not increase it. The risk of falling is too high. Thank you