Experiencing a voice in your head, even if you know who it is but they don't speak, could be related to different psychological or cognitive processes. Here are a few possibilities:
Internal Dialogue: Many people experience an internal dialogue, where they have thoughts that feel like a conversation or a voice speaking inside their mind. This inner voice is often recognized as their own, and it represents their thoughts, beliefs, and self-talk. In some cases, this internal voice might be silent, but the thoughts are still present.
Intrusive Thoughts: Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing, or disturbing thoughts that pop into one's mind involuntarily. These thoughts can be about anything and might not necessarily be spoken. They can sometimes be mistaken for an external voice, but they originate within the person's mind.
Imagery and Imagination: Sometimes, our minds can create vivid mental images or scenarios that feel like an inner voice without actual auditory speech. It's like "hearing" thoughts in the form of imagery or imagination rather than spoken words.
Mental Association: Hearing someone's voice in your head without actual speech could be related to associations your mind makes with that person. You might not literally hear their voice, but certain thoughts or memories associated with them can be triggered and feel like a voice.
Symbolic Representation: In some cases, the "voice" might represent something deeper, such as your intuition, conscience, or a symbolic representation of a feeling or emotion.
It's essential to consider the context, frequency, and emotional impact of such experiences. Occasional experiences of a voice-like phenomenon in the mind are relatively common and often not a cause for concern. However, if these experiences are distressing, frequent, or interfering with daily life, it might be beneficial to discuss them with a mental health professional. They can provide a proper evaluation and help determine whether any underlying conditions or concerns need to be addressed.