Synesthesia
hear, smell, taste, perceive in color
What is Synesthesia?
Synesthesia is caused by an overabundance of neural connections in the brain which allows one to hear, smell, taste, or feel pain in color. Others may perceive numbers, letters, and words with color and some even see abstract concepts as shapes.
Do you have synesthesia?
Anything is possible. It is believed that everyone is born with these neural connections, but they are weeded out during brain development. However, for about 1 in 2000 people, this is not the case. Synesthesia usually run in the family although it is more common among women than men. If you do have it, don't stress; the condition is harmless.
If you relate to this...
You should read A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass. It is about a thirteen year old girl Mia and her discovery of Synesthesia. It may be helpful to know that you are not alone nor a freak for how you perceive the world. It is one quick read for your benefit.
Background
Synesthesia has been around for as long as humans have although the first medical reference of the condition was made around 1710 when a blind man described color vision in response to an auditory stimulation. All synesthetes experience theirs in different ways. Colored hearing is the most common form however many have a blend of these senses.