Harry Enfield Diagnosed With Surfer’s Ear and Partial Deafness After Years of Daily Cold-Water Swimming

Harry Enfield, 65, has been diagnosed with exostosis, commonly called surfer’s ear, after years of daily swims in cold water at Highgate Ponds. Doctors identified the condition while the comedian was being fitted for hearing aids. The NHS describes exostosis as abnormal bone growth in the ear canal caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind; the condition can lead to hearing loss and infections.

He said the protrusions can be removed surgically but added that he would “sooner not hear what you’re saying” to avoid the “painful” procedure. 2 million people in Britain have joined local cold-water swimming groups. Public figures including Harry Styles, Nick Cave and Kate Middleton have spoken positively about the activity.

Mark Harper, medical adviser to the Outdoor Swimming Society and consultant anaesthetist at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, has stated that cold-water swimming can produce positive health benefits and build resilience to other stresses.

Researchers have reported that menopausal women who swim regularly in cold water experience significant improvements in physical and mental symptoms, and the practice has also been linked to reduced menstrual discomfort. @Independent reported that experts consider many of the claimed benefits anecdotal and note that individual responses vary.