What Are Auditory Hallucinations?

Auditory hallucinations are the sensory perception of sounds that occur without the existence of external stimuli. In other words, a person believes they hear a sound when no sound occurs. Alternatively, a person may mistake one kind of sound as another.

Symptoms

• True auditory hallucinations typically take the form of a persistent human voice or voices. These voices generally engage in emotionally charged commentary on the person or the person's thoughts.

Cause

• The cause for auditory hallucinations remains uncertain, though theories suggest they may stem from organic dysfunction in the temporal lobe, audio cortex and Broca's area. Chemicals such as recreational drugs and alcohol can also cause hallucinations if taken in sufficient doses.

Frequency

• Auditory hallucinations are most commonly associated with those suffering from schizophrenia and mood disorders, such as depression. This type of hallucination has also been reported as a component of mystic or religious experiences, but is generally treated as a separate class of experience in that context.

Treatment

• Treatment for auditory hallucinations tends to focus on resolving the underlying condition, such as treating the schizophrenia, mood disorder, or chemical abuse that leads to the hallucination. This may entail medication, hospitalization or talk therapy.

Future

• Further research is necessary to determine if a root cause exists. Until that occurs, treatment methodologies for auditory hallucinations will remain in flux.