Ever had that high-pitched ringing in your ears that just won’t quit? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not the first.

Tinnitus has been haunting humans since ancient times, affecting everyone from Leonardo da Vinci to Charles Darwin. Today, about 1 in 7 people worldwide hear these phantom sounds, even when everything around them is completely silent.

In this fascinating video, The folks from TED Ed dive into the auditory system to uncover what tinnitus really is, and why your brain might be generating noise all on its own. If you’ve ever wondered whether that ringing has a cause or if it’s just your brain going rogue, this is one you’ll want to hear.

[TED Ed]