Hearing noises that aren’t there can be frightening and overwhelming. There can be a range of causes for this problem, and it can be stressful trying to deal with the issue. For some, there might be no underlying cause, but for others there could be a deeper issue. Below, we explore auditory hallucinations and what you need to know.
What is an auditory hallucination?
An auditory hallucination refers to a problem where you’re hearing noises that aren’t there. For instance, you might be hearing voices that don’t exist. Or you might be hearing music without any radio or device making the noise. Essentially, it’s where you’re hearing noises that don’t have a real source. This can be caused by a range of issues and it’s worth getting a diagnosis.
Causes of auditory hallucinations
It’s possible that you might be hearing voices even if you don’t have an underlying condition. Many people hear voices if they’ve been drinking lots of alcohol, if they’re grieving a loved one, or if they’re under plenty of stress. But consistent auditory hallucinations can be indicative of a deeper issue. This could be a mental health issue: schizophrenia, PTSD and bipolar disorder – amongst others – can cause this. Alternatively, auditory hallucinations can be caused by brain and nervous system disorders. A brain tumour, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy and frequent migraines can all lead to this issue. Some research has also suggested that vitamin deficiencies can lead to auditory hallucinations too. When you’re getting to the bottom of your auditory hallucinations, any of these problems could be the cause.
Auditory Hallucinations Treatment
Diagnosis will feature a doctor investigating physical and mental symptoms to work out where the issue might lie. If there’s a physical problem, then it might be easier to solve – a medical team can attempt to cure the physical issue to alleviate the auditory symptoms. However, it can be trickier if the auditory hallucinations are caused by mental health problems. In this situation, your doctor will attempt to establish the specific mental health issue you’re suffering from. After that, they’ll then determine medication to help you with your symptoms. This can be a difficult process though – often, it’ll take some testing with different combinations to find something that works for you. For instance, if you’re suffering from schizophrenia, a doctor will monitor your progress with different medicines and therapies to help improve your situation.
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If you suspect that you’re suffering from auditory hallucinations, then you should get medical help. By booking a five-minute online hearing test, you can work towards diagnosing the issue and you can begin your journey towards regaining your quality of life.
