While this may sound like an exaggeration, after examining the psychological effects of long-term tinnitus, we found it plausible.Many first-hand testimonies from people with tinnitus show that years of constant ringing often turn this minor annoyance into a major source of disturbance in their lives. Tinnitus makes it so easy that using the phone can be a huge challenge. Watching TV, listening to music, or even talking to loved ones becomes a permanent link between what you want to hear and the annoying ringing you need to hear.