Tinnitus warning over trendy breathing exercise pushed by Iceman Wim Hof

A man has warned against the popular wellness phenomenon the Wim Hof Method after developing constant ringing in his ears while practicing its breathing exercises. Ricky Kon, 36, is now one of seven million in the UK to suffer from tinnitus, a condition that causes ringing, buzzing, hissing and roaring sounds in one or both ears. He claims it was brought on by the Dutch 'Iceman's' 10-week online course, which he paid £76 for in 2020. Mr Kon, from London, is now suing Wim Hof's company – Innerfire BV – for up to £250,000, claiming that it failed to provide 'appropriate' warning of the tinnitus risk. The Dutch athlete turned wellness guru is best known for extreme feats including swimming under ice and running barefoot on ice and snow. In recent years, however, he has built a huge following promoting breathing exercises, exposure to the cold and mindset training for better sleep, energy and focus. Tinnitus cases have shot up by 50 per cent in the past two decades, research suggests, with experts blaming modern lifestyles. According to Mr Kon, however, the technique – which involved 'hyperventilating' and before repeatedly holding his breath – resulted not in better health but 'sudden onset tinnitus'. Court documents allege: 'The claimant experiences bilateral ringing/buzzing tinnitus [which] was initially constant. The tinnitus is now variable.' Wim Hof has made his name by advocating the benefits of cold water therapy and breathing exercises which he claims can boost the immune system and restore a sense of calm The claim goes on to accuse Mr Hof's company of negligence and a breach of contract, with Mr Kon arguing that 'he would not have undertaken such breathing exercises' had he been warned of the risk. However, the hearing was told that Mr Kon was in fact aware of the risk of tinnitus before he purchased the video course. Andrew Petchey, who was representing the Netherlands-based company, said: 'On their website, they raised that tinnitus was a risk and they also referred to it in terms and conditions, and we will present that that was in the terms and conditions.' But according to Mr Kon's representatives, the company ignored the accusations against them. Christopher Johnson, who was representing Mr Kon, said it took Innerfire over four years to respond to Mr Kon's initial allegations, and did not provide legal representatives in the UK until six months after acknowledging receipt, on January 12, 2026. Mr Petchey responded that his client believed when they saw the claim the case could not be dealt with before a British court, given its Dutch jurisdiction. Judge Luke Ashby ruled that Innerfire BV should pay the cost of Wednesday's hearing, and that a further case management hearing would be scheduled. Tinnitus can be triggered by a number of factors, including ear infections, earwax build-up and exposure to loud noises. Tinnitus cases have shot up by 50 per cent in the past two decades, research suggestsHolding your breath can also lead to tinnitus, as a result of cranial and ear pressure, which can tear the delicate membrane between the inner ear and the outer ear, allowing fluid to leak out, causing tinnitus.In some cases, treating the cause can provide relief. But for around 1.5 million people, the condition is long-term, difficult to treat and has a significant impact on daily life. Current treatments focus on helping patients better cope with the symptoms, through talking therapies and mindfulness techniques to help patients manage the distress caused by phantom noises. Tinnitus cases have shot up by 50 per cent in the past two decades, research suggests, with experts blaming modern lifestyles.