You may hear them in one or both ears, and they may come and go or be present all the time. If so, you may have tinnitus, a condition in which you hear what's known as “phantom sounds.” Tinnitus is a common problem, affecting more than 11% of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This phenomenon, known as tinnitus, is often described as a "phantom" sound—a perception of noise when no actual sound is to be heard. These sounds can be buzzing, clicking, whistling, or even hissing. Tinnitus can be both unsettling and frustrating for those who experience it, and it's a common concern in audiology.