Imagine a world where the internal symphony of sounds is absent – no inner voice, no imagined melodies. This phenomenon, known as anauralia, is a unique neurological state, not an ailment, affecting a surprising number of individuals. It signifies a distinct way the brain processes and experiences internal auditory stimuli.
Anauralia is defined by an individual's incapacity to generate or recall sounds within their mind. For instance, the thought of a crying infant or the voice of a loved one does not register audibly in their imagination. This condition frequently, though not universally, accompanies aphantasia, which is the inability to create mental imagery. While aphantasia has received considerable scientific attention, anauralia has historically remained largely unrecognized. The term itself was coined in 2021 by researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, to describe this 'silent mind,' sparking a wave of scientific interest, notably from Professor Tony Lambert of the School of Psychology.
Professor Lambert, intrigued by anauralia's prevalence and its implications, particularly for musicians, initiated research to understand this condition better. Despite the perceived impossibility of a musician having anauralia, studies have shown that some proficient musicians indeed experience this. This fascinating discovery underscores the brain's remarkable adaptability and capacity to develop alternative cognitive pathways for creative expression. To foster a deeper understanding and raise global awareness, Professor Lambert and his colleagues are organizing an international conference, "Mind's Ear and Inner Voice," in Auckland in April 2025. This event will gather scientists, musicians, philosophers, and individuals living with anauralia to explore its multifaceted nature.
The concept of a 'silent mind' extends beyond just sounds. Individuals with anauralia not only cannot mentally replay sounds or songs but also report silent dreams. When reading, they often cannot imagine characters' voices or ambient sounds, a stark contrast to individuals like the British author Charles Dickens, who famously 'heard' his characters speak. Early estimates suggest anauralia affects approximately 1% of New Zealand's population, with ongoing research investigating its potential impact on cognitive functions. The upcoming conference in Auckland aims to be a pivotal forum for researchers and those affected to collaborate, ultimately revealing the intricate workings of a mind that experiences silence within.