I started hearing voices and noises that wake me up at night.  The voices are usually of a family member and the noises are that of a gun or outdoor stuff. Once I am awake, I continue to hear them for a few seconds.  Am I having mental issues or just old age?  Im 59.
Hello thanks for asking from ChatDoctorHearing voices and noise that wakes up you in night could occur due to a number of reasons. These voices are usually of family member and are persisting. One possible reason is severe anxiety. In severe anxiety individuals may develop hyperarousal. Due to this they may start hearing voices and develop awakening in night. But if the symptoms are recurring and persisting then there may be underlying psychotic phenomenon. These could be hallucinatory voices. Although in elderly it is not common to see hallucinations but still due to some organic lesion such symptoms can be seen. I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for expert opinion and diagnosis. Thanks, hope this helps you.