I just visited the hot springs for first time this week while hiking the pct.
One of the The coolest guys I've met in my entire life, a local to the springs for over 40 years, says he has survived multiple brain surgeries from jumping in the creek and getting water in his ears during a bad year..
He's getting better and doesn't stop coming back... just won't get his ears wet.
I plan on keeping my ears out of the creek, however I love dunking myself and holding my breath in the womb..