Although not a foolproof method for reality checking sounds, I will cover my ears or turn my head, and if the noise stays the same I know it doesn't have an external source. I agree, pdoc is best option as most of us were unable to accurately assess our own ilnesses, especially at the beginning. I had no idea the voices weren't normal, I always thought others talk to themselves and bounce ideas back and forth. Then when I was being treated for something else, the meds made the voices go away. I had visual hallucinations as well. Both didn't seem like that big of a deal until I was being treated and realized I did make irresponsible or bizarre choices when unmedicated. It's been hard to train myself to go in patient at first sign of hallucinations reoccurring, because I think I'm still making wise decisions. It's kind of like drunk drivers. They don't realize how stupid their decisions or actions are when they are drunk, or how impaired they are.