Do you hear sounds that no one else can hear? (Auditory Hallucinations) - Let's talk about this

Do you hear someone talking when no one is around? Or do you hear various sounds, music, etc.? If you have had this experience, don't worry. You are not alone. This condition is medically known as auditory hallucinations . This is when you feel like you are hearing a sound even though there is actually no sound. Today, we will talk about this in detail and simply.

What does this sound really sound like?

The sounds you hear can vary greatly from person to person. They may seem to come from your ears, from inside your head, or from the environment around you. This may happen throughout the day, or it may only happen once or twice a day.

These can mainly be divided into two types.

Is it normal to hear noises like this?

Understand this well. This is not always a sign of illness.

• Hypnogogic Hallucinations: If you hear various sounds as you are about to fall asleep, it is most likely normal. It is nothing to worry about.
• Hypnopompic Hallucinations: It is also common to hear sounds upon awakening from sleep before regaining full consciousness.

What could be causing this?

There are several possible causes for this. Some are temporary, some are long-term. According to scientists, it could be caused by the auditory network in our brain suddenly becoming active for no reason, or by an imbalance in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

Here are some of the main reasons:

1. Mental health issues

Schizophrenia : This is the main cause. About 75% of people with schizophrenia hear voices in this way. This is a state of detachment from reality.
• Bipolar Disorder: Between 20%-50% of people with this disorder may experience this.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This condition may occur in about 40% of people who have experienced severe trauma.
• Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression: Auditory hallucinations can sometimes occur with these conditions.

2. Hearing impairment

People with hearing loss, especially as they age, have a 16% chance of developing this condition. Tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears, can sometimes be associated with this condition. The more hearing loss there is, the more likely it is to experience these hallucinations.

3. Diseases of the nervous system

• Sleep-related disorders (e.g., narcolepsy , insomnia)
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke
• Migraine
• Brain tumors or lesions

4. Other temporary reasons

• Alcohol and drug use
• Severe insomnia
• Severe hunger
• As a side effect of some prescribed medications
• Severe depression or severe grief, such as the death of a loved one
• Infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in the elderly
• When recovering from anesthesia after surgery

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on the cause. If the cause is temporary, such as lack of sleep or hunger, the noise will stop once the cause is gone.

However, if this is part of a long-term condition, medical treatment is required.

• Medication:
• Antipsychotics: In conditions such as schizophrenia, these medications can reduce the frequency and severity of hearing voices. For example, the drug Clozapine is very effective, but it should be used under medical supervision due to its side effects.
• Other psychotropic medications: These symptoms can also be controlled with medications given for conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder.

• Psychotherapy / Talk Therapy:

Counseling is very important along with medication. This will help you live with the condition, manage it, and overcome your fear of it.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps you change the way you view the voices you hear and learn to control them.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This involves accepting the fact that you hear these voices and giving yourself the strength to move towards your life goals.
• Hallucination-Focused Integrative Treatment (HIT): This is a treatment method specifically aimed at hearing voices.

What can I do to control this?

In addition to the treatments your doctor gives you, there are things you can do.

• Distraction: When you start to hear noises, put on headphones and listen to a song, exercise, cook something you like, or engage in another hobby.
• Support Groups: Joining a group of people who have similar experiences to yours can be a great source of strength.
• Taking control: Some people ignore the voices they hear. Others try to control them by mentally telling them to "stop talking."
• Healthy lifestyle: Things like getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol/drugs, and eating a balanced diet are very important.

When should I see a doctor?

This is the most important part.

Especially if the voices you hear are telling you to harm yourself or someone else, it is an emergency. In such a case, seek medical advice immediately.

If someone you know is suffering from this condition and they are acting out of touch with reality and potentially dangerous to themselves or others, it is very important to take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) .

Don't be afraid to talk openly about this with your family, a trusted friend, and especially your doctor. These are conditions that can be well controlled with treatment.