Don't know of worms for other modalities, but I know that there are some "cleaner" worms. For example, if you get a tune stuck in your head, play a few bars of the theme song to Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in your head. (The Smurfs theme song will also do it sometimes). Both tunes will scrub out the jingle and then disappear after a few bars.
There's the Tetris effect, but I'm not sure if it's quite what you're looking for. I've also noticed a tendency to get odors stuck in my head, which doesn't seem to be a unique experience, although I can't find any literature on this phenomenon.
Another 'cleaner worm' is Rio by Duran Duran! Do you ever listen to BBC 6 Music for the breakfast show with Shaun Keaveny? He does a feature on earworms from 7-8am every weekday and at about 8am he plays one that he's picked from listener suggestions...
Don't know of worms for other modalities, but I know that there are some "cleaner" worms. For example, if you get a tune stuck in your head, play a few bars of the theme song to Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in your head. (The Smurfs theme song will also do it sometimes). Both tunes will scrub out the jingle and then disappear after a few bars.
ReplyDeleteCool! I've never heard of cleaner worms before. I'll give Raiders a try next time I have my next Lady GaGa attack.
ReplyDeleteThere's the Tetris effect, but I'm not sure if it's quite what you're looking for. I've also noticed a tendency to get odors stuck in my head, which doesn't seem to be a unique experience, although I can't find any literature on this phenomenon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, skornblith. The tetris thing is interesting to think about as an analogy/disanalogy.
ReplyDeleteAnother 'cleaner worm' is Rio by Duran Duran! Do you ever listen to BBC 6 Music for the breakfast show with Shaun Keaveny? He does a feature on earworms from 7-8am every weekday and at about 8am he plays one that he's picked from listener suggestions...
ReplyDeleteCarly
I wonder if "Headcleaner" by Einsturzende Neubauten should count as a cleaner worm, even if it isn't.
ReplyDelete