Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 7/15/2026

How can auditory hallucinations be distinguished from other types of hallucinations?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Auditory hallucinations are the experience of hearing sounds, voices, or noises that aren't actually present. They differ from other types of hallucinations, such as visual hallucinations, which involve seeing things that aren't there, or tactile hallucinations, which involve feeling sensations without a physical cause. Auditory hallucinations can range from simple sounds like buzzing or ringing to complex voices speaking words or full sentences.

Because auditory hallucinations can stem from many possible causes—including sleep deprivation, stress, hearing loss, medication side effects, or underlying medical conditions—it's important to understand what may be driving your symptoms. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what you're experiencing, identify potential causes, and guide you toward the right next steps for care. It only takes a few minutes and could give you valuable insight before speaking with a healthcare provider.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

answer background

Important Next Steps

Discover if your hearing symptoms need careFind likely causes of hearing voicesSee whether auditory hallucinations need urgent careLearn OTC options for related symptomsFind a doctor for hallucination concernsDiscover medically valid home remedies for symptomsUnderstand if hearing voices could signal illness

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Auditory hallucinations are when someone hears sounds or voices that others do not hear. These sounds can be clear or unclear, and they might seem to come from inside or outside the person's head.

Here's how auditory hallucinations differ from other types:

  1. Auditory vs. Visual Hallucinations: Auditory hallucinations involve hearing, while visual hallucinations involve seeing things that aren't there.
  2. Auditory vs. Other Senses: Other hallucinations might involve taste, smell, or touch, but auditory hallucinations are specifically related to hearing.

Auditory hallucinations can be a part of different conditions, but they are not always a sign of mental illness. If you or someone you know is experiencing hallucinations, it's important to seek help. Try Ubie's free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your symptoms and learn about next steps for care.

(References)

  • Waters F, Blom JD, Jardri R, Hugdahl K, & Sommer IEC. (2018). Auditory hallucinations, not necessarily a hallmark of .... Psychological medicine, 28826411.

  • Blom JD. (2015). Auditory hallucinations. Handbook of clinical neurology, 25726283.

  • Nayani TH, & David AS. (1996). The auditory hallucination: a phenomenological survey. Psychological medicine, 8643757.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.