Kirsty Gallacher opens up about tinnitus and hearing loss from benign ear tumour

Kirsty Gallacher has recently shared her ongoing struggle with tinnitus and hearing loss, conditions stemming from a benign tumour located in her right ear. This revelation occurred during a candid discussion on The Vanessa Feltz Show, where she was joined by audiologist Dr Gladys Sanda. At 49 years old, Gallacher described the distressing impact her condition has had on her daily life, particularly in noisy environments.

The presenter explained that the suggestion of using a hearing aid has been made to her, but she feels reluctant to take that step just yet. “I’m managing it fine,” she stated, though she admitted that certain situations trigger feelings of frustration and sadness. In such acoustically challenging settings, particularly when dining out or engaging in conversations, she often struggles to hear those around her. “I get really upset,” she articulated, underscoring how her hearing difficulties compel her to pay close attention to the lip movements of those speaking to her, a strategy she’s adopted because of her significant hearing loss.

Gallacher’s journey with this condition began when she noticed difficulties in hearing during rehearsals for GB News in 2021, which led to a diagnosis of acoustic neuroma after a series of medical evaluations. Initially worried it might be a brain tumour, she underwent an MRI scan that confirmed the presence of the small, benign tumour. In previous interviews, she recounted how she woke up one morning with noticeable hearing issues, speculating it was just a temporary phase. However, as her symptoms persisted, she sought medical advice, ultimately leading to her diagnosis.

In discussing her treatment plan, Gallacher expressed a preference for monitoring the tumour rather than opting for immediate surgery due to its proximity to her brain. She indicated that potential future treatments might involve targeted radiotherapy. This condition has also caused severe tinnitus, which disrupts her sleep and contributed to her stepping back from her role at GB News to manage her health. The presenter shared her experience on Instagram, highlighting the impact of “3 am starts” for her job, which, combined with sleep deprivation, exacerbates her tinnitus symptoms.

Despite these challenges, Gallacher maintains a positive outlook. “I’m fine, I just have to be… I’m very lucky and grateful,” she affirmed, illustrating her resilience. She continues her career as a presenter for Gold Radio while navigating the complexities of her condition.

This candid conversation about her health comes amidst broader discussions surrounding women’s health issues, including workplace support for conditions such as menopause, highlighted by a recent heated debate on The Vanessa Feltz Show regarding the need for greater accommodations for those undergoing such changes. This juxtaposition of Gallacher’s health battles with wider societal issues invites a deeper examination of how workplace environments can be adapted to support individuals facing medical challenges.

In a world where discussions around health conditions and their implications are becoming increasingly relevant, Gallacher’s openness serves as a reminder of the need for empathy and support within both personal and professional contexts. As she continues to manage her condition, her story sheds light on the real-life struggles faced by many dealing with similar health issues, encouraging a dialogue that advocates for better understanding and accommodations in everyday life.