Experiencing the sensation of hearing someone call your name when they haven't can be a puzzling and concerning experience. There are a few potential explanations for this phenomenon:
Auditory Hallucinations: Auditory hallucinations are perceptions of sounds or voices that are not present in the external environment. They can be caused by various factors, including stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation, certain medications, or underlying mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder. However, it's worth noting that occasional auditory hallucinations can also occur in people without a mental health disorder.
Pareidolia: Pareidolia is a psychological phenomenon where the brain interprets random stimuli, such as sounds or shapes, as significant patterns. In this case, your brain might interpret random noises or unrelated sounds as your mother calling your name.
Sensitivity to Sounds: Some individuals are more sensitive to auditory stimuli, and they might perceive faint sounds or background noises as someone calling their name.
Auditory Processing Issues: Auditory processing issues refer to difficulties in the brain's ability to interpret and process sounds accurately. In some cases, this can lead to misinterpretations of sounds, including mistaking other sounds for familiar voices.
Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can sometimes lead to heightened awareness and hyper-vigilance, causing you to notice and interpret sounds differently.
Hyper-Focus or Hyper-Attention: If you are constantly preoccupied with the thought of your mother needing you or calling your name, you might be hyper-focused on any sound that resembles her voice.
Priming Effect: Priming is a cognitive phenomenon where exposure to a specific stimulus influences your response to a subsequent stimulus. If you've been frequently hearing your mother call your name, your brain might be primed to expect it, leading you to interpret unrelated sounds as her voice.
If you find that this experience is persistent, distressing, or interfering with your daily life, it is essential to discuss it with a healthcare professional. They can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying causes and determine the appropriate course of action. Remember that open communication with your mom about your experiences can also be helpful in understanding the situation better.