Echoes of the Mind: Auditory Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
D Naresh, D Logesh, B Lakshmi Dorai, C Pradeep, S Hari Baskar
Cureus August 2024 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66120 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 51-year-old male with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and musical hallucinations |
| Intervention | Risperidone |
| Keywords | Antipsychotic treatment Musical hallucinations Sensorineural hearing loss Sensory deprivation |
| Key findings | In a 51-year-old man with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, musical hallucinations of prayer chants were diagnosed as auditory Charles Bonnet syndrome; risperidone markedly reduced their frequency and intensity and improved sleep and concentration, with symptoms recurring after the medication was stopped. The authors argue that antipsychotics are effective for musical hallucinations and that care should combine audiological and psychiatric approaches. |
Abstract
Musical hallucinations (MH) represent a rare and complex auditory phenomenon where individuals perceive music without external stimuli. This case study explores auditory Charles Bonnet syndrome (ACBS) in a 51-year-old male with a history of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The patient reported hearing recognizable prayer chants, initially perceived as external sounds from a nearby temple. Over time, these hallucinations persisted and interfered with his daily activities, prompting medical consultation. Despite the absence of psychiatric illness, the patient was diagnosed with ACBS and treated with risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic. The intervention led to a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of the hallucinations, alongside improved sleep and concentration. The patient also experienced a recurrence of symptoms upon discontinuation of the medication, highlighting the importance of adherence to treatment. This case underscores the need for awareness and understanding of non-psychotic auditory hallucinations in individuals with hearing impairments. The pathophysiology of MH is not fully understood but is believed to involve abnormal activity in the auditory associative cortices due to sensory deprivation. Treatment approaches often include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, such as optimizing hearing with aids and providing psychoeducation. This study contributes to the limited literature on ACBS and emphasizes the efficacy of antipsychotics in managing MH. Further research is essential to explore the underlying mechanisms and to develop comprehensive management plans for patients experiencing these distressing auditory phenomena. The findings advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, integrating audiological and psychiatric care to improve patient outcomes.