What are the underlying causes of auditory hallucinations?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Auditory hallucinations—hearing sounds or voices that aren't there—can be caused by a range of factors. Common causes include:

Mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression
Neurological conditions, including dementia, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy
Infections affecting the brain, such as encephalitis
Medications and substances, including certain prescription drugs, alcohol, and recreational drugs
Sleep disorders and extreme sleep deprivation

Because the causes vary widely—from temporary and easily treatable to more serious underlying conditions—identifying the source is essential for getting the right care. Rather than guessing or worrying, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be behind your symptoms and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what may be causing auditory hallucinations Discover if your hearing experiences need care See if auditory hallucinations could signal illness Find OTC options for related symptoms Find a doctor for auditory hallucinations Understand medically valid home remedies for symptoms Check what level of care you need

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Explanation

Auditory hallucinations are when someone hears voices or sounds that aren't there. There are various reasons why someone can experience auditory hallucinations. Here are some examples:

1. Health Conditions Affecting the Brain:

Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are well-known causes. However, not all people with auditory hallucinations have schizophrenia.
Some dementias (such as Parkinson disease) can also cause auditory hallucinations in some people.

2. Substances or Medications:

Alcohol and marijuana are examples of substances that can cause hallucinations in some people.
Examples of prescription medication that can cause hallucinations in some people include corticosteroids (such as prednisone) and some pain medications.

If you or someone you know is experiencing auditory hallucinations, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider. To better understand your symptoms and get personalized guidance, you can also take Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker.

(References)

Waters F, Blom JD, Jardri R, Hugdahl K, & Sommer IEC. (2018). Auditory hallucinations, not necessarily a hallmark of .... Psychological medicine, 28826411.
Pierre JM. (2010). Hallucinations in nonpsychotic disorders: toward a .... Harvard review of psychiatry, 20047459.
Ross CA. (2020). Voices: Are They Dissociative or Psychotic?. The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 32868688.

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