That faint ringing, buzzing, or humming you sometimes notice—especially in silence—is known as tinnitus. It’s the sensation of hearing sound when no external noise is actually present, and it can appear in one or both ears or even feel like it’s coming from inside your head.
For some people, the sound is soft and occasional. For others, it can be constant or loud enough to interfere with sleep, focus, or daily life. It may come and go, or stay for long periods without stopping.
Tinnitus itself is not a disease.