Susanna Reid is an experienced TV presenter, having worked on BBC Breakfast from 2003 to 2014 before switching to ITV’s Good Morning Britain. Most of her job involves talking and listening, but the host has a condition which can make daily life difficult.
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On Wednesday 7 February’s show, she opened up about her 20-year struggle with tinnitus. There is no cure for this condition which causes sufferers to experience a continuous ringing or buzzing sound when there is no external source for it. She spoke frankly about the challenges of living with the incurable illness, and discussed shared experiences with reality TV star Jamie Laing who also has the condition.
Jamie recently spoke out about the illness in order to raise awareness, and the pair shared details about how scary the diagnosis is, and how to manage tinnitus as best you can. Here’s everything they discussed.
Susanna Reid has had tinnitus for 20 years
The pair spoke about the topic alongside Susanna’s co-star Richard Madeley, who started 2024 with a controversial bang. At the beginning of the show, to give viewers an idea of what tinnitus sufferers experience, GMB played a ringing sound. Jamie explained that he felt very anxious when he was diagnosed with the condition as he feared he would ‘never sleep or hear again’. Richard then asked his co-host, who recently took a break from the show, whether she had experienced the same thing. Susanna explained:
No I didn't because I went very quickly to the doctor who said there is no cure but you can talk yourself out of it. Now I know that doesn't apply to everybody.
She went on to say that the sound they had just heard had actually triggered her condition, which she usually manages to ignore:
It's really interesting, the ringing sound we rang just now has triggered it in my ears so now I can hear it again because you have to make a conscious effort to tune it out. Reminding myself of it [has triggered it] but it's fine, I'm just not going to worry about it, I will just end up tuning it out again.
How you can manage tinnitus
People with tinnitus may hear this sound in one or both ears, and at times they can experience it spreading across their head. The sound can come and go, but sometimes it is a permanent issue. Though there is no cure, there are several therapies that can help sufferers. Susanna, who was diagnosed after the birth of her second son Finn, said:
It's really important to get across that although there's no cure, there are numerous therapies so please if it something you are experiencing, don't think there's no point in seeing a doctor.
Jamie agreed, adding:
That is exactly it. That's the most important thing. When it starts it can be very scary, but meditation helps, exercise helps. All these things help it. And without a doubt 100 percent you get used to it.
The NHS urges people to visit their GP if they have regular or constant tinnitus, if the condition is worsening, or if it is bothering you. You should seek an urgent appointment if your tinnitus is beating in time with your pulse.
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Sources used:
Mirror: Susanna Reid reveals her incurable illness has been triggered live on Good Morning Britain
Express: GMB's Susanna Reid shares health update as she opens up on incurable illness
