What are the three types of auditory hallucinations and how do they differ?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Auditory hallucinations are perceptions of sound without an external source, and they generally fall into three main types: internal, external, and spontaneous. Internal auditory hallucinations are heard inside the mind, external ones seem to come from the surrounding environment, and spontaneous hallucinations occur suddenly without a clear trigger. Each type differs in where the sound appears to originate and how the individual experiences it, which can help clinicians identify possible underlying causes such as psychiatric conditions, neurological disorders, or sleep-related issues.

If you or someone you know is experiencing auditory hallucinations, understanding the specific type is an important first step toward getting the right care. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what you're experiencing, explore possible causes, and confidently plan your next steps—all in just a few minutes and without cost or commitment.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

Auditory hallucinations involve hearing sounds that are not present. According to the references, there are three main types:

Internal Auditory Hallucinations: These are voices or sounds that an individual perceives as coming from within their own mind. This type is often linked to the person's thoughts or inner dialogue.
External Auditory Hallucinations: These are sounds that seem to come from outside the person, as if someone else is speaking to them. This type can feel very real, like hearing a voice in the room.
Spontaneous Auditory Hallucinations: These occur without any clear trigger and can be experienced as random noises or voices. This type is associated with spontaneous brain activity.

Each type of hallucination can be experienced differently by individuals, and understanding these differences can help in managing and treating them. If you're experiencing auditory hallucinations or other concerning symptoms, try Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine when to seek professional care.

(References)

Docherty NM, Dinzeo TJ, McCleery A, Bell EK, Shakeel MK, & Moe A. (2015). Internal versus external auditory hallucinations in .... Cognitive neuropsychiatry, 25530157.
Plaze M, Paillère-Martinot ML, Penttilä J, Januel D, de Beaurepaire R, Bellivier F, et al. (2011). "Where do auditory hallucinations come from?"--a brain .... Schizophrenia bulletin, 19666833.
Marschall TM, Ćurčić-Blake B, Brederoo SG, Renken RJ, Linszen MMJ, Koops S, & Sommer IEC. (2021). Spontaneous brain activity underlying auditory .... Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior, 33450598.

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