The TV personality’s candid post strikes a chord with thousands living with this invisible condition
Jamie Laing has spoken openly about the long-term impact of tinnitus – and how the “constant ringing” in his ears continues to affect his mental health nearly a decade after it first began.
The 36-year-old podcast host and Made in Chelsea star took to Instagram to describe a recent flare-up of the condition, which he’s lived with for eight years. “Dear Tinnitus,” he wrote, “I’ve had this awful, constant ringing in my ears for about eight years now… but occasionally it lifts its evil head.”
Laing said the symptoms had recently intensified, making it “almost hard to focus on anything else”.
A common but hidden condition
Tinnitus – a condition that causes people to hear sounds such as ringing, buzzing or hissing with no external source – affects an estimated one in seven people in the UK. It’s often invisible to others, but for those who experience it, the effect can be life-altering.
Laing believes his condition stems from years of loud nightclubs in his twenties, compounded by ongoing anxiety. He recalls the moment it started: “I went around the house searching for it… then I realised that it was coming from inside my head.”
The post has resonated with followers, many of whom live with similar symptoms. His openness about the mental strain caused by tinnitus – including anxiety, stress and exhaustion – has been praised by hearing specialists and mental health professionals alike.
Listening to the noise – and what it’s trying to tell you
Despite describing the experience as a “nightmare”, Laing also shared a more reflective approach. “It is good to listen to it and use it as an alarm – you’re tired, stressed, anxious maybe. Listening to it helps. Instead of seeing it as your enemy, try to see it as your friend trying to tell you something.”
This perspective is echoed by Hearology®, which provides hearing tests, tinnitus support and earwax removal amongst many other audiological services: “Tinnitus can sometimes be a symptom of other underlying issues, such as ear infections, or earwax build-up or hearing loss,” said Micaela Stonestreet, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology® who also has a special interest in tinnitus. “But it can also be triggered or exacerbated by stress and noise exposure. Jamie’s experience – especially the link to loud environments in early adulthood – is, unfortunately, very common.”
Raising awareness – and reducing isolation
While tinnitus is not usually a sign of serious illness and may improve over time, there is currently no cure. The condition’s impact on mental health, however, is well documented. Feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation are common, particularly when symptoms are severe.
Research from Newcastle University, funded by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, is now investigating how tinnitus interacts with brain activity. The hope is that better understanding will lead to more effective treatments in future.
In the meantime, Laing is encouraging others to speak out. “When it’s this loud (and it’s LOUD), it helps so much more talking about it,” he said. “I hope this message connects with someone else dealing with it badly today, this week, this month, or the whole time.”
Resources and support are available via organisations like tinnitus.org.uk – but as Laing’s post shows, sometimes the most powerful form of support is knowing you’re not alone.
References
- Deafness and Hearing Loss - Discusses hearing loss and related conditions, which are relevant to understanding tinnitus and its impact on mental health.
- NHS tinnitus - Explains that tinnitus is not usually a sign of serious underlying health problems and can improve over time, though full recovery is not guaranteed.
- Tinnitus UK - Provides information and support for those affected by tinnitus, highlighting its prevalence and the importance of awareness.
- Trending News YouTube - Provides a candid update from Jamie Laing about his tinnitus struggles, discussing how he has lived with the condition for eight years.
- UK_tinnitus Instagram - Supports Jamie Laing's update on his struggles with tinnitus, where he shares his experiences and advice on managing the condition.
- What You Need to Know About Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) - Offers detailed information on tinnitus, including its symptoms, causes, and management strategies, which aligns with Jamie Laing's experiences.
