by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.
A concerned daughter wrote:
My mother is hearing a repetitive song and I would like to know what I can do for her. She is 99 years old, very hard of hearing, and because she does not hear people, has withdrawn and spends a lot of time alone. Even though I have told her that it is all in her head, she still keeps referring to the lady next door playing her music.
Being elderly, having a hearing loss, withdrawing, and being alone in a quiet environment are all factors that predispose people to hearing phantom music. The name for this condition is Musical Ear Syndrome (MES).
You can’t do anything about your mother’s age, but you can help her with the other factors. For example, she needs to enrich her environment with real sounds. She can do this by getting and wearing hearing aids, or by using various assistive listening devices that let her hear people talking to her. The more she stimulates her brain with real sound, the less time her brain will have to play the phantom sounds.
Getting her involved with people again—probably only one at a time since it is difficult to understand people in groups when you have a severe hearing loss—will give her something to focus on besides her phantom music.
When a person withdraws, they generally feel depressed and that often means they also focus on things going wrong with their bodies such as the phantom music your mom is hearing. The best way to treat this depression is to become involved in life again.
Incidentally, I have found that it is very hard to get people over the age of 85 or so to understand that the music they are hearing is phantom. They can’t seem to get it through their heads that this music is not real, so that approach may be a losing battle. Also, they may refuse to accept that what they are hearing is phantom because to them, hearing phantom sounds equates with being crazy, and no one wants to admit to that. Thus they continue to blame the music on others (neighbors).
Furthermore, since the phantom music seems to have directionality—coming from the lady next door—it is even more difficult to convince an elderly person that this music is not real, but phantom.
The trick is to get your mother’s mind focused on other things (and thus off her phantom music) by having her become involved in various activities again. When people do this, their phantom music often fades into the background to some degree.
Unfortunately, her phantom music may come back at night when her mind isn’t focused on anything. If her hearing loss isn’t too great, she could listen to real music on a bedside radio to mask the phantom music while she falls asleep, but if her loss is too severe (like mine is), this won’t work as the volume required would wake the whole neighborhood—and they’ll be upset at hearing real music in the wee hours!
If you want to learn more about Musical Ear Syndrome and some of the things you can do to help bring it under control, read my comprehensive article on the subject, or get my book, “Phantom Voices, Ethereal Music & Other Spooky Sounds“.
A very interesting article that explains a lot. My Mother aged 93 also seems to hear next door playing music and stopping her from sleeping. I spent late nights lingering arount the front of my Mothers house listning for noise as I believed what she told me.In time though I realised that it must be in her head. I had no idea musical ear syndrome existed, so as I say, that explains a lot
Barry- I am going through this now with my 89 year old Aunt. How did you handle this?
This is very helpful. My 88 year old mother and I thank you very much!
I’m only 50, and I’ve experienced this for *years*. My doctor kept insisting that I was hallucinating. Doesn’t one believe that a hallucination is real, though? I know that the music isn’t real. Only I can hear it.
I hear new compositions – jazz, blues, classical, rock, country, rap. One night, I heard a dam* barbershop quartet. Usually I enjoyed the musical interludes, but not the barbershop quartet.
Hi Shauna:
I guess your doctor doesn’t know the difference between auditory hallucinations (where you believe the phantom sounds you are hearing are real), and when you know you are hearing phantom (not real) sounds although they sound real. These then are pseudo-auditory hallucinations.
I’m curious, how long ago and why did your phantom music start? Was there any reason you can think of?
Regards
Neil
I am 84 female. I suffered SSHL five years ago. I often hear phantom music and actually I enjoy it because I can’t listen to music even with up to date hearing aids.
The funny thing is that most of the songs come from the First World War era, before I was born.
Also I can turn the songs on and off, I can also choose a song I like, something recent. I used to sing and loved music.
Hi June:
Hey, if your MES works for you, enjoy it. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Maybe when you were a girl your mom sang/played or your listened to the earlier songs and that is what your brain plays now. Typically, the phantom songs people hear are from their childhoods.
Cool that you can change your songs at will. Most people with MES can’t do that, or have great difficulty doing so.
Cordially,
Neil
what if it’s not actual music or any song you recognize rather music like and only happens in one ear and first noticed after laying head down – when raised up it minimized dramatically- eventually turned over to other side and no issue – yet at some point turned back over and it was still there…?? Today so far not there at all- i have been told i have had hearing loss but not anything extreme – certain sounds/etc- but I am only 53 and am not isolated or in a noiseless environment
Hi Julie:
Numbers of people only hear “music-like” sounds, not recognizable tunes, so hearing that is “normal” for people with MES.
What is unusual in your case is that you hear it in only one ear (which is what tinnitus can do), but you basically hear it when your ear is buried in the pillow and not when your ear is exposed (or do I have that backwards?)
If it basically occurs when your ear is buried in the pillow, try rolling over and then put a finger to push your tragus into your ear canal to block it off and see whether you hear it louder again.
If there any faint background sound when you hear this that you brain picks up on and converts to music, then you may have audio pareidolia, not MES.
Cordially,
Neil
I am 72 Years old. Now knowing that I have MES, I knew the music wasn’t real when I first started hearing it a couple of months ago. At first I thought it was coming from the other room. I searched and found nothing. I blocked hearing in both ears and the volume or the music didn’t change. I realized then: Oh, it’s because of My Hearing Loss.
I have No Hearing devices at this time. I have sampled Hearing Aids, they helped but the cost factor did Not justify purchase. I can still communicate with a small degree of difficulty. Sometimes when I am quiet and alone, I try to make
the Choir (Always a Choir) start. It relaxes Me.
Thank You Dr. Neil! p.s. I Never was distressed by
the “Music” Sincerely, Billy G. Linebarger
Update on My previous Post:
I worked in Industry for many Years where hearing
protection was Required. We were Required to have
hearing evaluations on a Yearly Basis. However, My
Dad’s Father wore a Hearing Aid as long a I knew Him.
Billy G. Linebarger
My mother is 80 and has been hearing phantom sounds since a couple of years. She refuses to accept that it is only her who is hearing this sounds. Strangely these sounds are heard only at home and not elsewhere. She is very active, takes tuitions, does gardening, watches TV, writes stories etc for magazines etc. She is a little hard of hearing and even on the doctors advice does not use the hearing aid claiming she can hear better without them. Of late she has been asking me to get my wife diagnosed for all the sounds that she is hearing. She says there is something wrong with my wife. I really don’t know how to solve this problem. My mother dosen’t have BP, sugar etc and every reading is normal. Request you to provide a solution.
Hi RSN:
I find it the most difficult thing to try to convince a person who refuses to accept that the phantom sounds are truly phantom. This mostly happens in elderly women Your mother fits this scenario.
Typically, they get mad at you if you insist they are hearing phantom sounds, because they KNOW they are REAL sounds. All I’ve ever been able to do is help the caregivers (sons and daughters) understand what their parent is going through so they can “run interference” with other people that come in contact with them–and think they are crazy because of their actions.
There are two reason why she only hears the phantom sounds in her own house. One is that when she is “out and about”, her brain is physically active–shes observing her environment, interacting with people, etc. so he brain doesn’t bother producing the phantom sounds. But when she is a home in familiar surroundings and probably alone, there is not enough mental stimulation to keep her brain from producing these sounds.
The second reason could be that she is actually hearing faint motor sounds such as fans or air conditioners/furnaces, or other motors running. Her brain tries to make sense of these sounds and matches them to a musical pattern. This is called audio pareidolia. You can read my article on the subject at http://hearinglosshelp.com/blog/apophenia-audio-pareidolia-and-musical-ear-syndrome/. However, I think your mother has MES, not audio pareidolia–but it’s still a possibility.
Why is she saying there is something wrong with your wife? Is it because she can’t hear the phantom sounds? That is also a common symptom of people with MES like your monther who refuse to admit that the sounds they are hearing are phantom.
Cordially,
Neil
If she hears it only at home and not elsewhere I suspect there is a low frequency exposure in the house which can cause tinnitus over time and mental health issues. Out of curiosity, has she had an argument with the neighbour at any point and what are they like?
Hi Anthony:
The point is that no one else hears these sounds–so that is why them being real sounds is unlikely. I still say that the most likely scenario she hears them at home because she is relaxed and doesn’t have as much mental stimulation like she has when she is out. This is quite common.
I don’t see that low frequency exposure is going to cause tinnitus. Why are you suggesting it?
Cordially,
Neil
Thank you so much for this article. It totally explains the behaviour of my 91 yr old neighbour. His aggressive behaviour in the middle of the night shouting and banging on the bedroom window was becoming really frightening.
I have a similar situation. My next door neighbor has called the police on me multiple times. While the cops and I insist that there is no music, she will not stop and it is interfering with my sleep and well-being at my own home. I estimate she is in her mid-70s. What did you do?
My Mother is 90 , her room is next to mine, so in the middle of the night she gets up yelling at us and saying not nice things. Tonight she isn’t talking to me because I told her there was no music on!
Hi Susan:
Your mom’s response is a fairly common response to her hearing MES sounds and you not being able to do so.
This response is because if you can’t hear it and she can, then to her mind she is going crazy. Therefore she denies it and gets mad at you for not being able to hear it. You need to reassure her that it is just something not quite right in her auditory processing circuits in her brain–but it is NOT a sign she is crazy.
Cordially,
Neil
But is it ok for someone to hear this music in there head my grandma is 90 and she’s been hearing spiritual in her head
Hi Moe:
If it doesn’t bother your grandma, or if she likes it, there is nothing bad about hearing these phantom sounds. It’s not a sign of dementia or mental illness, just things not working quite right in the auditory system. Let her enjoy her music if she does and is not bothered by it.
Cordially,
Neil
Is it common to not only hear music, but words to the songs as well? My mom is 86 and just began experiencing this a day ago. She hears sad (in which a lover leaves) songs and more lively songs. She taps her foot or nods her head to the beat and will repeat words she hears in the songs.
Hi Lori:
Yes, some people hear just music, some hear only the lyrics and other hear both. It’s all part and parcel of the same condition–MES. So what your mom is hearing is perfectly normal for people with MES. Sounds like she generally likes her phantom music and sings along with it. That’s a lot better than the people who hate it and really get bent out of shape by it.
Cordially,
Neil
Cordially,
Neil
My Mother, 86, has heard a song for well over a year. She’s told me about it and invited me to listen to the music. She likes “Cielito Lindo” and had invited me to enjoy it. I told her before it was in her head. She couldn’t figure out which neighbor was playing the Mexican music, but two neighbors on our side of the street moved away and the music stopped.
Recently, new neighbors moved in next door; today new neighbors moved in across the street. My Mother just came to me, smiling and asking me if I heard the music, it was playing again. I did not. I turned the sound on the TV down and went to listen at all the windows on that side of the house. I didn’t hear anything. I could tell my Mom was disappointed at me and she explained I didn’t have to hear it.
I had suspected that the musical noise was related to her hearing loss (70% loss in each ear as diagnosed in June 2018) and something with the brain activity. I appreciate these articles because these clarify that neither of us are crazy. We may be nuts, each of us in our own way, but this helps but we’re not crazy:-)
Her other medical issues make it difficult for My Mom to leave the house, but she is very active in the home, exercises 3-5 times a week for 1- 1-1/2 hours, does the laundry, reads every morning and every night before bed.
My Mother doesn’t wear her hearing aids. When she was first diagnosed, we priced them and realized that spending thousands of dollars was just not financially possible. Eventually, to increase our communication, I located a cheap pair of hearing aids on Amazon. I told her these were like “training wheels” so we could test them, see the pros and cons of this type; then, we would know what to seek out with the next pair. She can fit the right one in but has trouble with the left hearing aid so really doesn’t use it. I am not sure there is anything I can do to increase her mental activity to revise the brain patterning. She’s very strong-willed, although she did surprise me the other day when she saved an article from the local paper that discussed laser surgery for hearing loss. She thought that was a great idea.
Hi Elizabeth:
Your mom has Musical Ear Syndrome alright. If it doesn’t bother her and she knows what is happening–and that it is all in her head so no one else can hear it, she doesn’t have to do anything–just enjoy her special music.
Have you/she read my comprehensive article on the subject? You can read it at https://hearinglosshelp.com/blog/musical-ear-syndrome-the-phantom-voices-ethereal-music-other-spooky-sounds-many-hard-of-hearing-people-secretly-experience/ .
Cordially,
Neil
My Mother In-law has recently been hearing music she thinks is coming from next door at 1:00 to 4:00 AM in the morning and it has been keeping her up she called the neighbor this morning to ask them if they could turn the music down in the future so she could get some sleep and the neighbor said that they do not play music at that time because they have to get up at 6:00 AM to go to work every day, I should mention that she is 81 but she does not have hearing loss and she lives with her husband who is 86 but he has hearing loss and she says he can’t hear anything when we ask her if he can hear it, is MES common in people that don’t have hearing loss.
Hi Donald:
I’ll bet your mother-in-law has significant hearing loss in some frequencies–especially in the high and ultra-high frequencies. She may not notice it, but the neurons in her brain sure do.
What you are describing is a classic case of MES, no doubt about it. I hear variations of her story all the time.
She needs to read my article on MES. If she denies she is hearing phantom music, that’s just another proof that she really has MES. Some elderly people can accept that it is phantom sounds they are hearing–and thus they can deal with it. But many refuse to admit they are hearing phantom sounds–and get mad an anyone that suggests otherwise.
Cordially,
Neil
My mother (93 and lives with me) first began hearing knocking at her bedroom door (which didn’t actually happen). This morning she said she was woken up by loud jazzy music about 6 am. Nobody was playing any music in our home at that time. I’m wondering if this is something I should mention to her physician.
Hi Karen:
Your mom is experiencing Musical Ear Syndrome. It is common for elderly, hard of hearing people to experience this from time to time (or most of the time). It is nothing to worry about, but she needs to know what it is. The best article on this is found at https://hearinglosshelp.com/blog/musical-ear-syndrome-the-phantom-voices-ethereal-music-other-spooky-sounds-many-hard-of-hearing-people-secretly-experience/ .
Typically, doctors want to prescribe anti-psychotic drugs, but they don’t solve the problem and may just make matters worse from more drug side effects.
Cordially,
Neil
So excited to read your article. My mom is 92, hard of hearing and is in rehab because of a recent fall. She has a broken femur and is not able to put weight on it. This is also while the center is in lockdown because of the Coronavirus. I can’t be with her but we talk by phone throughout the day. She has been complaining of hearing the same church song over and over for 3 days. I have mentioned it to her caretakers but they thought it was mental.
Will it go away when I get her home? Should I contact her primary doctor or a specialist?
Hi Fran:
Your mom probably has Musical Ear Syndrome. It may go away with a change in venue, or having people around her to talk to more. But this is not guaranteed. I doubt her doctors will be of any help. If anything, they will probably drug her or treat her as psychotic. But MES is NOT a psychotic condition.
What I’d do is read my main article no MES at https://hearinglosshelp.com/blog/musical-ear-syndrome-the-phantom-voices-ethereal-music-other-spooky-sounds-many-hard-of-hearing-people-secretly-experience/ If she can’t get it, read it to her on the phone–not all at once as it is rather long–and you can discuss it with her. Once she knows what it is, and that it is nothing to worry about, she can relax and enjoy it, and not worry about it.
Cordially,
Neil
My 92yr old mum housebound and lives on her own with bad hearing loss but won,t have hearing aids saying she can here what she wants to hear ,she hears what she says is the man nextdoor shouting out through the night walking ,walking ,walking ,now she is saying the teenager in the same house is playing loud music an waking her up everynight she complains to the council and has had their recording equipment in 3 times over the last 4 years and they hear nothing so she says their equipment is faulty ,i have stayed over three times with my hearing aids on overnight and heard nothing but she says well your deaf anyway, we know have to get up close to her for her to hear but just won,t accept that it,s her ears making these sounds during the night ,she has health problems with balance ,neuropathy ,anemia ,eyesight and hearing and this is stressing her as she loved to read ,do puzzle books and knit for a hospice since not doing this it seems to have got worse ,she complained to the council last week saying they are not doing anything about nextdoor so the council approached them to which they said that mum bangs on the wall every night waking them up ,she says i only bang on the wall when i hear them when i bang it stops so is convinced they are doing it, i,m now at my witts end as i don,t want the council to move her out having lived there over 50 years she has her friend nextdoor but one and she is my back up if mum falls and is in there everyday for a cuppa and a chat ,mum,s brain is sharper than mine she makes her own decisions ,sorts her own money out, cooks ,washes and irons and dosen,t qualify for carers ,during the day she gets nothing only at night .
Hi Linda:
Your mom has a classic case of Musical Ear Syndrome–hearing the shouting and music at all hours of the night–yet recording equipment says that is not true, and then she denies that it is her and that the recording equipment is defective and that anyone that can’t hear it must be deaf.
What I’d do is talk to the neighbors and the council and let them know that your mom has MES so hears these phantom sounds mostly at night–and rationally complains about them because she is totally fooled and thinks they are real when they are phantom. Also explain this is not a mental problem, but a problem with her hearing circuits in her brain not working quite right. Also explain that these phantom sounds have directionality so she “knows” where they are coming from so it is hard for her to believe that they are phantom.
By doing this, her neighbors and council members will know that she is not crazy, but is acting rationally based on what her brain is telling her is happening. Enlist their help and understanding and tolerance so they don’t retaliate.
If your mom is as sharp as you say she is, let her read my articles on the subject and explain this is not a sign of mental illness (which she is probably afraid of). The best article for her, the neighbors and council members to read is the one at https://hearinglosshelp.com/blog/musical-ear-syndrome-the-phantom-voices-ethereal-music-other-spooky-sounds-many-hard-of-hearing-people-secretly-experience/
Your mom may find that playing music all night at a low level (loud enough so she can hear it) will give her brain real sounds to listen to and that her MES won’t bother her.
Cordially,
Neil
Hello
My mum is 89 and has experienced MES a number of times over the last couple of years. Usually after she has been stressed or off colour. She takes medication for BP and a liver problem but is still very independent, reads, loves quiz shows, does crosswords and interested in the daily news and does what she can arround the house. Usually after a couple of weeks it does settle. She is getting more hard of hearing and the MES has come back again. She is still convinced it is our neighbour even though I live with her and cannot hear anything (I’ve also spoken to our neighbour too)
I’ve read to her the comments on here which she accepts but deep down she still believes it is our neighbour. I think she is worried that it is some sort of dementia causing it. Is this quite common in elderly ladies and is there anything she can do to help stop this. We have got mum booked in for a hearing test. Thank you
Hi Jo:
Older people fear being thought “crazy” and to them “hearing voices” is proof they are “crazy”. They only have this one frame of reference. If you can get through to her that they are not just one, but two, kinds of “hearing voices”. One is truly a psychiatric problem–which is what she is worried she has, and the other is a non-psychiatric condition where you also “hear voices” but this has nothing to do with mental illness. It is something not working quite right in the auditory circuits in her brain.
If she can understand this, then she won’t keep on blaming the poor neighbor.
You may need to keep reminding her that she has MES and not the mental illness kind of “hearing voices”. This is especially true if she easily forgets things. Some daughters have to remind their moms every day or more often.
Cordially,
Neil
My 80 year old father has been complaining of music keeping him up all night and has even knocked on neighbours doors at 1.00a.m to ask them to turn it off…..and they have denied playing music.
He has diagnosed hearing loss but does not wear hearing aids. He lives alone and lockdown has had a significant impact on his social life.
I came across this site and have explained MES to him – at the moment he is accepting that they are phantom (this acceptance could change rapidly) and has made an appointment to get some hearing aids which I have said should help.
As we are in lockdown I am struggling to come up with any ideas that may help him – my only other suggestion has been to have the radio on at night which he says he will try.
The music really bothers him and he finds it intolerable
Hi Maddy:
It sounds like your dad has a classic case of Musical Ear Syndrome. Having real sounds on when it bothers him is a good strategy. Whether it is a radio, TV or any other sound device. Have him play sounds he likes at a volume he can hear–but not too loud–and see whether that helps him get his MES under control.
The same is true during the day–his brain needs sounds he can hear. And getting hearing aids could help him in that department too. At the same time he needs activities to focus his mind on–and being in lockdown sure limits those opportunities.
The main thing is for him not to starve his brain for sound–real sounds will give his brain something to process so it will be much easier to ignore the MES sounds.
Cordially,
Neil
Thank you for this. My friends mom Def has it and it mimics all the other cases. She is going to a n assessment unit tomorrow and I’ve sent her this link to show them. I’m also going to be rung by her doc too and I’ll send it to her doc too. I actually stayed over to record the noise and realised early on there was no noise from next door at all. Thank you for your work on this. Warm regards
Bernette.
My mom, who is 82, has been complaining of music, conversations and construction noises for a few weeks now. I suspected a UTI because she was also falling, confused and shaky.
After her doctor prescribed antibiotics, she is much better but mentioned again that she hears music.
She has also complained of hearing loss and I’ve noticed this as well.
She reads a lot and likes her home quite.
I found your article and shared with my mother.
She was relieved to have an explanation. She even said this made sense.
She said that the music she is hearing is German and I read to her that many people here music from their childhood.
So relieved and proud that she was open to this conversation.
Thank you for your research.
My dad 99 is hearing the old song which my past mother use to sing but he doesn’t remember her singing it is: It Aint Gonna Rain No More no More I fond it on the PC and played it for him while his version in his head and he says the two songs become synchronize . Now the singer talking to him he is not upset by all this and is taking it as humorous.
Hi Lee:
Interesting. However, if the songs/talking don’t bother him, I wouldn’t worry about it.
Cordially,
Neil
I HEAR JAZZ MUSIC ALL NIGHT LONG. ONLY JAZZ. I AM 73.
Hope you still look at this page. I have bilateral cochlear implants. About 4-5 months after having the second I began hearing loud banging, what I describe as a Mack truck idling outside my window as well as the usual tinnitus buzzing I always had. It’s bilateral. Occurs in house and at home in quiet. Keeps me up at night. I’m 70. Any thoughts?
Hi Claudia:
I see all the posts anyone makes to any of my articles, so I see yours when you post it.
Is this sound more a banging sound, such as someone pounding on something, or more of a loud rumbling sound–which is what I’d describe a Mac truck doing?
Rumbling sounds are relatively common in people with tinnitus, banging much less so.
Do you ever hear it away from home, or just when you are home? And do you only hear it when it is relatively quiet and you are relaxing, or do you hear it at any time no matter what you are doing?
What happens if you have music playing in the background when you are going to sleep or relaxing–do you still hear it, or not?
What was going on in your life 4 or 5 months ago when this started. Were you stress out, or anxious or depressed? Did you begin any new medication or change the does on an existing one?
The more I understand what you are hearing and when, the better idea I’ll have of how to best deal with it.
Cordially,
Neil
Thank you for the information. It is hugely helpful !!! My Mom is 96, I too have spent time trying to track down this mystery music.
My mother in law, at 95, lives with us. She recently started hearing music, after a bout of tinnitus. She doesn’t seem too bothered by it, and says, ‘It must be death calling me’. She has a great sense of humor and is still ‘with-it’ and is 90% self-sufficient at her age. I’m curious how much caffeine plays a part ? Also, she routinely did her exercises daily, and seems to be doing them less. Also a factor ? She has the TV on most of the day, loves Hallmark movies, occasional visitors, and interaction with us when we are home.
Thanks in advance !
JL
Hi Julie:
My mother-in-law is going to be 98 later this month–but she lives on the other side of the continent. My wife will fly there for her birthday.
Numbers of people think of it in relation to dying, especially if they hear what they assume heavenly music must sound like. This may be true in a few cases, but for the vast majority, they simply have MES.
Since she is not bothered by it, it shouldn’t be a problem for her. Let her read my article so she knows what is going on–and she can enjoy the music.
I’ve never considered (or heard of) caffeine being a factor. Nor exercise for that matter. If you see a link with her, maybe you can take corrective action, but otherwise, I’d leave well enough alone.
MES can arise out of tinnitus, and can fade back into tinnitus too.
Cordially,
Neil
If awakened unexpectedly, I am aware of LOUD music playing in my head while transitioning to fully awake. The music is instrumental, not music I would choose while awake. It’s not awful, but the volume is close to uncomfortable. I am not elderly and I have very good hearing with no hearing loss. But I do snore. I’m wondering if my brain is trying to translate or cover the snoring to keep me asleep?
Hi Lam:
Your theory may be true, but I’ve never heard of it before so I am skeptical. A more likely scenario is that you are experiencing hypnopompic sounds. A sister sound is hypnagogic sounds. Here’s an explanation of them.
During the semi-conscious state as you are just drifting off to sleep, or you are just waking up, you may experience various auditory hallucinations where you “hear” weird, and often loud, phantom sounds.
If these occur as you are just falling asleep, you are having a hypnagogic experience. “Hypnagogic” is just a fancy medical term that denotes the transitional state resembling hypnosis preceding sleep, where auditory (and other) hallucinations may manifest themselves at that time.
What is happening is that your conscious brain is “shutting down” as you are drifting off to sleep. Many electrical changes occur at that point, and you may hear them as a form of tinnitus. These sounds may be frightening but they are completely harmless. For example, one man began to experience explosive and roaring noises that start just as he is about to drop off to sleep.
On the other hand, if you have similar experiences as you are just waking up, you are having a hypnopompic experience. “hypnopompic” is the fancy medical term that denotes the occurrence of visions or dreams during the drowsy, half-waking state following sleep. This is when your conscious brain is “waking up”. Again, many electrical changes occur at that time, and you may hear them as a form of tinnitus and other weird sounds.
So what you are hearing is a natural phenomenon and nothing to worry about now that you know what is happening.
Cordially,
Neil