Joe Duffy discusses tinnitus diagnosis in new memoir

Joe Duffy revealed in his memoir Talk to Joe: Life, Liveline and Me that he was diagnosed with tinnitus on 18 November 2018.

The former Liveline presenter, who retired from RTÉ in June 2025 after 27 years on air, recounted the onset of the condition while at the RTÉ gym with colleague Kieran Keenan. Duffy heard a high‑pitched ringing that persisted after he left the gym, leading to panic.

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, Duffy said the experience reminded him that “your ears in a broadcaster are your instrument”. He noted that fellow broadcaster Derek Mooney has also spoken publicly about tinnitus, advising that it is not life‑threatening but has no cure, and recommending distraction techniques and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Duffy added that he now manages the condition by using online sound generators – many of which are available on platforms such as YouTube and Spotify – to mask the ringing and reduce focus on the symptom.

The memoir, which details Duffy’s nearly four‑decade career with the national broadcaster, is available now.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Cup of Couple / Pexels.