Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Cardiology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
When we are in silence, we always hear some sound. I know we are not in a vacuum, so some external sounds will always be audible, like house noises, etc. Hope this is not tinnitus. Even sensory deprivation of the ear causes body noises and hallucinations, read in places that are created as 0 dB anechoic chambers.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your query and concern.
This is not tinnitus. Tinnitus would be heard easily, trouble you, and you would not have to search for it specifically. Tinnitus would be heard even in an environment with some sound not sufficient to mask tinnitus. It may interfere with your daily activities. And yes, in an external 0 dB environment, one may normally hear sounds of his body like blood flow, heartbeats, respiratory sounds, etc. So, this is quite normal. Hallucinations are different things. It hears sounds and sees objects and humans which are not there and real, usually to trouble you or harm you.
I hope this helps you.
Get back if you have any doubts.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you.
I understood. Sometimes when we concentrate on dark or white surfaces, we see some dots playing around. I was told that it is our brain filling up spaces (phosphene or neural noise) and hallucinations. I thought that for ears, also the same thing is applicable. But I believe when no external source is present, it is our bodily noises that fill up our ears or external sounds. I guess when we are sensory deprived, it causes us to hallucinate (eyes closed or no noise). Please advise.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your query.
Seeing dots or listening to some noise whenever we are in a calm environment is a normal phenomenon for our bodies. Those dots are also due to fluid movements in our eyes called vitreous. Also, the source of noise is our body only. But, here, in both cases, these exist. Now hallucinations are a pathological process where you see or hear non-existent things. Like seeing snakes or humans, which are not there, or hearing sounds like someone is muttering and planning conspiracy, abusing, but it is virtual. So, you will experience things that are not simultaneously experienced by others.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for clearing my doubts. Are those dots because of neural noise (seen in the complete dark also)? But I understood in any case hallucination is different.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Yes, it is a neural noise. Another thing that contributes to it is the movement of fluid within one eye. Even in so-called complete darkness, there is some light present that may get refracted to visible light. So, it is normal and a result of multiple factors.
Revert in case of queries.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks again. Could it be airflow also that I hear in silence? How can I be more engaged and happy in life?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
There is some amount of sound always present in the environment, even if you are in a quiet environment, and also, airflow can produce sound in a quiet environment if there is flowing air. You should try to remain busy with some or other things, so as to stay away from unnecessary thoughts and worries. If you can engage yourself in activities or hobbies you like, then that is a good source of happiness. Also, exercise reduces stress.
I hope this helps you.
Get back if you have any doubts.
Regards.
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Cardiology
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