How do you know if voices are not real?

[Astro2000]

If you hear something in your ear, how do you know if its really there or not? if nobody else hears it, does it mean it's definately not real?

I think it depends on how you are apart from this.....are you ok Astro?

I feel ok, sometimes I think I have heard something and I jump but then realise nobody else has heard it. I wonder if I just have sensitive hearing but I worry sometimes.

Is it a voice, or a noise? If your nerves are shattered then it can make you really jumpy.
Have you looked on the MIND website, it has some clear to understand information about mental health.

Have you talked to your GP about this? If you have a good one, I think that should be your first port of call.

I once read a study which claimed that a surprisingly large number of people hear voices (which no-one else can hear, so which aren't there) but don't tell anyone about it. If you are OK apart from this, then you might not need to worry. It is not completely unusual.

BUT if it is bothering you or getting nasty or making it hard to go about your everyday life, then definitely talk to your GP.

here is the mind website
I would go to gp if it is worrying you.

I would SECOND going to the gp if it worrying you I meant to type.

Hi astro, check out the mind website, and give the doc a call, best to put your mind at rest, and try not to worry.

here is another support line - the Hearing Voices Network.