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Suggest Treatment For Auditory Hallucinations In Child
Question: My 6 year old son ( turning 7 next week) has told me that hears talking in his ears , he's said heard a baby crying and people talking this has been going on for a bit ..I'm really concerned about this
Brief Answer:
Auditory hallucination. Unlikely to be Tinnitus. Usually settles on its own
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. These experiences can be defined as auditory hallucinations. These are unusual but can be seen in otherwise normal children and adults.
2. For example, it is common to hear a XXXXXXX ringtone or song which may seem 'stuck' inside the head for a few hours or days.
3. Hearing a baby crying or people talking for longer duration may be a sign of anxiety, stress or attention seeking as it is centered around the house and not in other environments. This is the age that children become aware about languages, and through them about birth, life, death and such worldly facts.
4. A hearing test should be done (Pure Tone Audiometry) however this is unlikely to be Tinnitus.
5. An opinion from a child psychologist may help. Tourette Syndrome should be ruled out. It is important to remember that most children will out grow this phase. The chances of spontaneous remission are higher if these are the only symptoms. Check if there are any hallucinations involving the other senses. Get a neurologist's reference if he has headaches.
6. I must emphasize that this may just be a phase in your son's growing up. He should be normal as he is able to differentiate between the hallucinations and reality and tell you about his experiences.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Auditory hallucination. Unlikely to be Tinnitus. Usually settles on its own
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. These experiences can be defined as auditory hallucinations. These are unusual but can be seen in otherwise normal children and adults.
2. For example, it is common to hear a XXXXXXX ringtone or song which may seem 'stuck' inside the head for a few hours or days.
3. Hearing a baby crying or people talking for longer duration may be a sign of anxiety, stress or attention seeking as it is centered around the house and not in other environments. This is the age that children become aware about languages, and through them about birth, life, death and such worldly facts.
4. A hearing test should be done (Pure Tone Audiometry) however this is unlikely to be Tinnitus.
5. An opinion from a child psychologist may help. Tourette Syndrome should be ruled out. It is important to remember that most children will out grow this phase. The chances of spontaneous remission are higher if these are the only symptoms. Check if there are any hallucinations involving the other senses. Get a neurologist's reference if he has headaches.
6. I must emphasize that this may just be a phase in your son's growing up. He should be normal as he is able to differentiate between the hallucinations and reality and tell you about his experiences.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank You , This made me feel a lot better ,I'm just checking out every avenue , this is a scary for us
Brief Answer:
Seek professional help if this does not settle down.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. These conditions are no doubt stressful for any parent. However any show of stress in front of the child will reinforce his experiences.
2. Seek professional help if this this does not settle down. A systematic approach will rule out any known cause.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Seek professional help if this does not settle down.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. These conditions are no doubt stressful for any parent. However any show of stress in front of the child will reinforce his experiences.
2. Seek professional help if this this does not settle down. A systematic approach will rule out any known cause.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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