Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleComedian Harry Enfield has developed serious ear problems, including partial deafness, due to years of daily cold water swimming. Doctors diagnosed him with exostosis, commonly known as 'surfer's ear', which is an abnormal bone growth in the ear canal caused by repeated exposure to cold water. Enfield discovered the condition while being fitted for hearing aids, with medical professionals identifying his freshwater swimming in Highgate Ponds as the cause. He described having 'stalactites' in his ears and mentioned that while they can be surgically removed, he would prefer to avoid the painful procedure. Cold water swimming has risen in popularity in the last few years, with a study in 2024 estimating that around 1.2 million Britons had joined a local group specialising in the activity.In fullHarry Enfield reveals his ears have grown bone stalactites after cold water swimmingThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Harry Enfield left partially deaf from years of cold water swimming
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleComedian Harry Enfield has developed serious ear problems, including partial deafness, due to years of daily cold water swimming. Doctors diagnosed him with exostosis, commonly known as 'surfer's ear', which is an abnormal bone growth in the ear canal caused by repeated exposure to cold water. Enfield discovered the condition while being fitted for hearing aids, with medical professionals identifying his freshwater swimming in Highgate Ponds as the cause. He described having 'stalactites' in his ears and mentioned that while they can be surgically removed, he would prefer to avoid the painful procedure. Cold water swimming has risen in popularity in the last few years, with a study in 2024 estimating that around 1.2 million Britons had joined a local group specialising in the activity.In fullHarry Enfield reveals his ears have grown bone stalactites after cold water swimmingThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
