**London**: Jamie Laing candidly shares his struggles with tinnitus, a condition he’s faced for eight years, discussing the worsening symptoms, mental toll, and encouraging others to talk about their experiences. Health professionals highlight the need for better awareness and management strategies for those affected by this common condition.
Jamie Laing, the 36-year-old television personality and podcast host, has recently shared an update on his ongoing experience with tinnitus, a condition he has battled for the past eight years. In a candid Instagram post, Laing described his situation as a “nightmare,” revealing that his symptoms have noticeably worsened in recent days. Tinnitus is a medical term for the perception of noise—often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound—without an external source.
In his Instagram Story, Laing expressed the daily challenges he faces with the condition, stating, “Dear Tinnitus: I’ve had this awful, constant ringing in my ears for about eight years now, and over time I’ve managed to find ways to ignore, deal or come to terms with it, but occasionally it lifts its evil head.” He communicated the mental toll the condition can take, noting, “It’s almost hard to focus on anything else – nightmare yes!!”
Laing noted that he has learned to listen to the symptoms instead of viewing them purely as a hindrance. He commented, “It is however 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.”
The “Made In Chelsea” alum has linked his tinnitus to his earlier life, specifically attributing it to prolonged exposure to loud nightclubs during his 20s, combined with his struggles with anxiety. He recounted the moment he first recognised his condition when he woke up one morning to a persistent ringing sound, stating, “I went around the house searching for it… then I realised that it was coming from inside my head.”
According to health professionals such as Feraz Ashraf, an audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, tinnitus can sometimes be triggered by underlying conditions like Meniere’s disease, earwax accumulation, and ear infections, or by extended exposure to high volumes. Laing’s experience mirrors findings that suggest a correlation between hearing loss, conditions like tinnitus, and associated mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS indicates that tinnitus is not usually a sign of serious underlying health problems and can improve over time, although a full recovery is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, the mental impact of tinnitus is significant, with many individuals experiencing anxiety and depression linked to their symptoms.
Research from Newcastle University, funded by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, aims to further investigate the relationship between tinnitus and the brain, potentially shedding light on the condition’s causes and effects. As tinnitus affects an estimated one in seven people, increased awareness and understanding may facilitate better management strategies and treatment options.
In his efforts to raise awareness, Laing encourages others experiencing similar struggles to discuss their conditions openly. He stated, “The reason I’m writing this is because when it’s this loud (and it’s LOUD) it helps so much more talking about it. I hope this message connects with someone else dealing with it badly today, this week, this month, or the whole time.”
For anyone searching for information or support regarding tinnitus, resources are available through platforms like tinnitus.org.uk.
Source: Noah Wire Services
