Tinnitus is the medical name for noises or ringing in the ears. Tinnitus may be continuous or may come and go. It may present as a high squeal or whine or clicking and may be heard in one or both ears. When the ringing is constant, it can be annoying and distracting. Tinnitus is very common. In fact, more than 7 million people are afflicted so severely that they cannot lead normal lives.