In a recent episode of her podcast, Call It What It Is, Camilla Luddington, widely recognized for her role as Dr. Josephine “Jo” Wilson on the long-running ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, shared a deeply personal revelation about her health. Luddington, who joined the cast in 2012, alongside her friend and former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Jessica Capshaw, has created a platform for open conversations about life and the entertainment industry through their podcast. This week, the topic shifted to Luddington’s own health as she bravely discussed her diagnosis with tinnitus, a condition affecting millions.
Speaking candidly in the episode titled “Call It My Ears Are Ringing,” Luddington explained that she had been living with tinnitus for approximately two to three years. She recounted the moment she first noticed the persistent sound, recalling watching Ghostbusters with her husband, Matt. During a quiet scene, she questioned if the television was buzzing, only to realize the sound was internal. This marked the beginning of her journey with tinnitus, a condition characterized by a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears. Initially feeling isolated and confused, Luddington emphasized the importance of sharing her experience, stating, “It felt very lonely when I first realized I had it so we’re going to talk about it.”
Camilla Luddington at the French Open 2024, revealing her tinnitus diagnosis on her podcast.
Luddington detailed the distressing nature of her tinnitus, which she experiences solely in her right ear. She described the sound as constant and ever-present, highlighting the challenges it posed in her daily life, particularly in parenting. The persistent noise led her to seek medical advice, culminating in a hearing test. The results were surprising and concerning: Luddington was told she had the hearing of someone significantly older, around 60 years old, and that this hearing loss was connected to her tinnitus. While she doesn’t currently require a hearing aid, she acknowledges it may be a future necessity, embracing the prospect with a positive attitude, stating she’ll “rock that.”
Tinnitus itself is not a disease but rather a symptom, often linked to underlying issues such as hearing loss, Ménière’s disease, and even conditions like anxiety and depression. For Luddington, the initial concern was significant enough that doctors investigated the possibility of a tumor through an MRI scan. Thankfully, the scan came back clear, but it solidified the reality that her tinnitus was not going away. Coming to terms with a chronic condition has been a process, as Luddington admitted it “has taken me some time” to process and adjust to living with tinnitus.
Jessica Capshaw, Luddington’s podcast co-host, expressed surprise and admiration for Luddington’s openness. She highlighted that such personal health details often emerge as friendships deepen and in collaborative settings like their podcast. Capshaw and another producer on the show shared their own experiences with similar health issues, creating a supportive environment for discussion and shared understanding. This episode of Call It What It Is further exemplifies the podcast’s mission to delve into personal stories and create meaningful conversations, echoing past episodes where Capshaw herself shared vulnerable experiences, such as the “deep sadness” following a miscarriage. By sharing her tinnitus diagnosis, Camilla Luddington is not only raising awareness about this common yet often isolating condition but also demonstrating the power of open dialogue in navigating personal health journeys.
