Dr keshavulu Bashavathini MD psy Osm.
S c h i z o p h o n i a ….
Term introduced by R. Murray Schafer (1977, “The Tuning of the World”).
Refers to the separation of sound from its original source, especially in modern technology (e.g., radio, telephone, recording).
A sociocultural/communication concept. Hearing someone’s voice on the phone without their physical presence.
Headphones & Schizophonia
Headphones are a classic example of schizophonia → because they separate sound from its natural source and deliver it directly into the ear.
When you hear music or someone’s voice through headphones, the sound is detached from its physical origin → exactly what Schafer called schizophonia.
Is Schizophonia Dangerous?
Medically : ❌
Not dangerous in the psychiatric sense. Schizophonia ≠ schizophrenia.
Physically :
Yes, prolonged headphone use at high volume can be dangerous → risk of noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, ear infections.
Psychologically/Socially:
Overuse may cause social isolation, reduced environmental awareness, or “escapism” → Schafer’s worry about alienation from real soundscapes.
Schizophonia → Sound split from source (media/technology)
Schizophrenia → Mind split from reality (psychiatric disorder)Conclusion :
Headphones cause schizophonia (sound split from source).
Not psychiatrically dangerous → it’s a media phenomenon.
Can be physically dangerous (hearing loss) or socially alienating if misused.
