Auditory Perceptual Disturbances: Etiology

An examination of conditions associated with the experience of hearing sounds without external stimuli.

Psychiatric Disorders

Schizophrenia Spectrum: Often a core symptom, involving complex and distressing auditory experiences. Subtypes and variations are clinically significant.
Bipolar Disorder: Particularly during manic or depressive episodes with psychotic features. Auditory phenomena may align with the mood state.
Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features: Similar to bipolar disorder, the auditory component appears during episodes.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): May manifest as flashbacks or re-experiencing of traumatic events, sometimes involving auditory elements related to the trauma.
Personality Disorders: Borderline and schizotypal personality disorders can, in some cases, involve perceptual distortions, including auditory ones.

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Seizures originating in the temporal lobe can disrupt auditory processing pathways, leading to simple or complex auditory phenomena.
Brain Tumors: Particularly those affecting the auditory cortex or related pathways.
Stroke: Damage to auditory processing areas can result in distorted or spurious auditory perceptions.
Multiple Sclerosis: Demyelination can affect auditory pathways, although auditory phenomena are less common than other neurological symptoms.
Auditory Nerve Damage: Lesions or damage to the auditory nerve can occasionally cause phantom sounds.

Alcohol Withdrawal: Auditory sensations, including voices, can occur during severe withdrawal.
Stimulant Abuse: Substances such as cocaine and amphetamines can induce psychotic symptoms, potentially including auditory experiences.
Hallucinogen Use: Drugs such as LSD and psilocybin are known to alter perception, commonly affecting auditory processing.

Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus erythematosus can, in rare instances, affect the central nervous system and induce neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Infections: Encephalitis and meningitis can inflame the brain and disrupt normal neurological function.
Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, especially those affecting the central nervous system, may have auditory side effects.

Sleep Deprivation: Prolonged lack of sleep can sometimes trigger temporary perceptual distortions.
Sensory Deprivation: In extreme cases, lack of external stimuli can lead to unusual sensory experiences.
Migraine with Aura: Auras can occasionally involve auditory symptoms.