Auditory Hallucinations: An Audiological Horizon?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Auditory hallucinations (AHs) in schizophrenia patients are linked to potential anatomical changes in the auditory cortex and central auditory nervous system.
• Current awareness among audiologists regarding these findings and their implications is insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To educate audiologists about auditory hallucinations (AHs) associated with schizophrenia.
• To encourage audiologists and hearing scientists to engage in the evaluation and research of AHs.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review and synthesis was conducted, focusing on research from 1990-2020.
• Keywords included auditory hallucinations, schizophrenia, and central auditory disorders, with searches in PubMed, Google Scholar, and other sources.
• The review covered categorization, prevalence, models, mechanisms, anatomy, pathophysiology, and audiological correlates of AHs.

Main Results:

• Studies indicate compromised auditory cortex in schizophrenia patients with AHs, supported by anatomical, physiological, and functional imaging data.
• Behavioral audiological measures reveal subpar performance in this patient population, aligning with audiology's expertise.
• Evidence suggests AHs in schizophrenia may represent a disorder with both auditory and psychiatric components.

Conclusions:

• Accumulating neurobiological and audiological evidence supports viewing auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia as both an auditory and psychiatric disorder.
• Audiologists are encouraged to broaden their scope and contribute to the clinical investigation of AHs.