- Comedian 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.
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