Springwatch star opens up about incurable disease and its impact on TV career
SPRINGWATCH presenter said his incurable disease is “very difficult” to live with.
Chris Packham, 63, opened up about when he first received his Ménière’s diagnosis during a segment on hearing loss on BBC’s The One Show.
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The host addressed the stigma for men of wearing hearing aids, as he has worn hearing aids since he was diagnosed with Ménière’s disease in his 30s.
Ménière’s is a rare and incurable condition affecting the inner ear, which can cause problems with balance and hearing, causing tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss.
An emotional and candid Chris said: “For me to really be able to appreciate nature, I don’t just need to be able to see it – I need to be able to hear it. I need to be able to listen to nature.
“But I don’t take my hearing for granted. In the early 1990s I began to suffer from a condition known as Ménière’s syndrome, which led to a loss of hearing in my right ear.
“It was really difficult losing my hearing, but what I realised was that if I wanted to enjoy life and enjoy nature the way that I wanted to, things needed to change.
“I needed to get hearing aids. They’ve really helped me, but over 30% of men say they’re too embarrassed to wear a hearing aid.”
This comes after the star recalled suffering a scary bite at the hands of a venomous animal.
He spoke about the scary ordeal with his co-star Michaela Strachan live on-air.
He spoke about the scary ordeal with his co-star Michaela Strachan live on-air.
Water shrew’s carry a venomous saliva so when they bite into their prey, it subdues whatever they are trying to attack.
It left Michaela quipping: “You wouldn’t want a bite off one of those then would you?”
Revealing he had once suffered at the hands of a water shrew, Chris went on to say: “I have been bitten by one actually.”
Shocked, Michaela was left stunned as she questioned: “Really?”
He said: “Yes and I am still alive as you might have noticed!”
Everything you need to know about Springwatch
Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom
It’s presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin
Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively
Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset
A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two
The show’s popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch
Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022
Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts
The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King
Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011
“Did it hurt?,” his co-star questioned as he added: “Well, the nick in the hand nipped a bit.
“But no, the venom doesn’t impact humans, it is just for little invertebrates.”
It meant that thankfully the TV presenter suffered no real damage as he was able to shrug off the scary incident.
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