Harry Enfield has disclosed that his passion for cold water swimming has led to a serious ear condition, causing bone growths described as 'stalactites' in his ear canals. The 65-year-old comedian, renowned for characters like Kevin the Teenager and Loadsamoney, shared his diagnosis on the Off Menu podcast.
What is Surfer's Ear?
Enfield was diagnosed with exostosis, commonly known as surfer's ear. According to the NHS, this condition involves abnormal bone growth in the ear canal due to repeated exposure to cold water and wind, potentially leading to hearing loss and infections.
During a fitting for hearing aids, Enfield was told he could not proceed due to the bone growths. He explained: 'I'm partially deaf and, because I swim in Highgate Ponds, I've got stalactites in my ears.' He noted that while the growths can be surgically removed, the procedure is 'painful' and he would 'sooner not hear what you're saying' than undergo it.
The Rise of Cold Water Swimming
Cold water swimming has surged in popularity, with a 2024 study estimating 1.2 million Brits participate in local groups. Advocates include Harry Styles, Nick Cave, and Kate Middleton. Dr. Mark Harper of the Outdoor Swimming Society highlights potential benefits for mental and physical resilience, while research suggests improvements for menopausal and menstrual symptoms. However, experts caution that benefits are anecdotal and vary individually.
Enfield's case serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating that even wellness trends can have unintended consequences.
