Harry Enfield Diagnosed With Common 'Surfer's Ear' After Decades of Highgate Ponds Swimming
The 65-year-old comedian said bony growths developed in both ears from regular swims at Highgate Ponds. He declined surgery, citing pain and recovery time.
bbc.co.ukHarry Enfield has been diagnosed with exostosis after years of swimming at Highgate Ponds in north London. The 65-year-old comedian said the condition left him partially deaf. Exostosis, commonly called surfer's ear, produces bony growths inside the ear canal when cold water and wind repeatedly irritate the tissue.
GB News reported that the growths develop gradually over many years and typically affect both ears. Enfield described the diagnosis during an appearance on the Off Menu podcast. He said he went to be fitted for hearing aids and was told the devices were not the issue.
"They said, 'No, you've got big bones, stalactites, that have grown in your ears. I said, 'Well, yeah'. They said, 'Ah, that's what it is'," Enfield stated. Medical staff identified the growths immediately upon examination and linked them to his freshwater swimming routine.
The condition can trap earwax, cause infections of the ear canal skin, and reduce hearing. Enfield was told surgical removal of the bone growths was an option. He declined the procedure. "You can have them chopped off, but it's very painful and takes a long time.
I'd sooner not hear what you're saying," he said. GB News reported that the operation involves a lengthy recovery period. Enfield previously discussed his hearing loss on The Third Act podcast, saying he was "getting very deaf" and often asked restaurants to turn off background music.
Cold-water swimming has grown in popularity in recent years, with public figures including Joe Wicks, Oprah Winfrey and the Princess of Wales citing regular practice.
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