When people talk about "hearing voices," they are usually referring to a psychological phenomenon where individuals perceive auditory sensations of voices or other sounds that aren't present in the external environment. These voices can be perceived in different ways, and the experience can vary from person to person.
For some individuals, hearing voices may be like a literal sound, as if someone is speaking aloud and they can hear it just like any other sound in the environment. For others, the voices may manifest more as thoughts or inner speech, where they experience a "voice" speaking silently in their minds, similar to their own thoughts but seemingly originating externally.
Hearing voices can be associated with various mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder with psychotic features. It's essential to recognize that hearing voices can be distressing and disruptive to daily life for some individuals, while others may not find it bothersome or may even have positive experiences with such voices.
If you or someone you know is experiencing auditory hallucinations or distressing voices, it's important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. They can provide a proper evaluation and offer appropriate support and treatment.