Key Points

• Comedian and actor Harry Enfield, 65, has been diagnosed with partial deafness after years of wild swimming in north London ponds
• Enfield was diagnosed with exostoses (surfer’s ear), a condition where extra bone grows in the ear canal due to repeated cold water exposure
• The condition resulted from wild swimming at Highgate Men’s Pond on Hampstead Heath over many years
• Enfield described having “stalactites in my ears” and “extra bones growing in my ears”
• The comedian recently sought hearing aids and was diagnosed during that fitting process
• Enfield stated he does not want to undergo the “very painful procedure” required to remove the bone growths
• Exostoses occurs when cold water and wind irritate the ear canal, triggering the body to grow new bone lumps
• The condition typically affects both ears and can lead to retained ear wax, infections, and hearing loss
• Avoiding cold water exposure or using earplugs while swimming may prevent the condition from worsening
• Surgery to remove abnormal bone growths may take several weeks for the ear canal to heal

North London (North London News) June 4, 2026 – Harry Enfield has been left with serious hearing problems after years of freshwater swimming in north London, with the 65-year-old actor revealing he has “extra bones growing in his ears” due to wild swimming at Highgate Men’s Pond in Hampstead Heath. After recently going to get hearing aids fitted, the comedian was diagnosed with exostoses, more commonly known as surfer’s ear.

What exactly is exostoses and how does it develop in swimmers?

As reported by the team at the Evening Standard, exostoses occurs when repeated exposure to cold water and wind irritates the ear canal, which then triggers the body to grow new lumps of bone. The growths develop slowly and can then lead to issues with retained ear wax, ear canal skin infections, and in some cases, hearing loss. According to the RNID, the condition is where bone grows abnormally in the ear due to repeated exposure to cold water, affecting people who swim or surf a lot in cold water.

Usually, two bony swellings (exostoses) slowly appear on the lower wall of the deep part of the ear canal, often with a third, smaller lump in the upper part. With continued exposure to cold wind and water, exostosis will get worse, and if the swellings narrow the ear canal too much, wax and water can get trapped in the ear, which can cause infection and hearing loss. The condition usually occurs in both ears.

Why did Harry Enfield decide against surgical treatment for his condition?

The comedy actor, 65, said he did not want to undertake a ‘very painful procedure’ to remove the bone growths from his ears. Enfield has been left partially deaf as a result of the condition and has幽默ically described his situation by saying “I’ve got stalactites in my ears”. Depending on the condition of the ear canal and the type of surgery performed, it might take several weeks for the ear canal to heal after the procedure.

What preventive measures can wild swimmers take to avoid surfer’s ear?

According to medical information from the RNID, avoiding exposure to cold water by not swimming, or by using earplugs while swimming, might prevent the swellings from growing bigger. The bony swellings (exostoses) grow slowly over time, causing the ear canal to become narrower. If the abnormal bony growths are large or causing problems, surgery to remove them may be offered, but prevention through ear protection is the recommended first approach.

How common is surfer’s ear among cold water swimmers in London?

The popularity of wild swimming at Hampstead Heath’s ponds has grown significantly in recent years, with large crowds of swimmers visiting the wildlife ponds on the Heath. The ponds on Hampstead Heath have long been a destination for those seeking cold water swimming experiences, with swimmers regularly plunging into the waters despite the cold conditions. The condition typically affects people who engage in frequent cold water exposure without proper ear protection, which is why it earned the nickname “surfer’s ear” among those who surf or swim in cold water regularly.

What are the symptoms that indicate someone may have developed exostoses?

The symptoms of exostosis usually involve the gradual appearance of bony swellings in the ear canal, which happen slowly over time. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience issues with retained ear wax, ear canal skin infections, and eventually hearing loss if the ear canal becomes too narrowed. In Enfield’s case, the hearing problems became significant enough that he sought professional help for hearing aids, which led to the diagnosis.

Where exactly did Harry Enfield swim that led to his condition?

Enfield’s condition resulted from wild swimming at Highgate Men’s Pond, one of the famous swimming ponds located on Hampstead Heath in north London. Hampstead Heath contains several wildlife ponds that have become popular destinations for wild swimmers, including the Highgate Men’s Pond where Enfield regularly swam over the years. The Heath has been a location for cold water swimming for many decades, with the ponds attracting both regular swimmers and newcomers to the activity.

What medical treatment options exist for exostoses beyond surgery?

While surgery is available to remove the abnormal bone growths when they become large or problematic, the primary medical approach focuses on prevention and managing symptoms. The RNID indicates that avoiding exposure to cold water by not swimming, or by using earplugs while swimming, might prevent the swellings from growing bigger. There is no non-surgical treatment that can reverse the bone growths once they have formed, making prevention through ear protection crucial for those who continue to swim in cold water.

How long does recovery take after surgical removal of exostoses?

According to medical information, depending on the condition of the ear canal and the type of surgery performed, it might take several weeks for the ear canal to heal after surgical removal of the abnormal bone growths. The surgery involves removing the bony swellings that have narrowed the ear canal, but the recovery process requires careful monitoring to ensure proper healing.

What impact does this diagnosis have on Harry Enfield’s daily life and career?

The 65-year-old comedian has been left partially deaf as a result of the condition, which has necessitated the fitting of hearing aids. This hearing loss represents a significant change for Enfield, who has built his career on comedy and performance where hearing plays a crucial role. The condition has not prevented him from continuing his work, but it has required him to adapt to using hearing assistance technology.

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Background of This Development

The medical condition known as exostoses, or surfer’s ear, has been documented among cold water swimmers for many years, with the RNID providing comprehensive information about the condition’s causes and treatments. The condition is directly linked to repeated exposure to cold water and wind, which triggers the body’s protective response of growing new bone in the ear canal. Hampstead Heath’s swimming ponds, particularly Highgate Men’s Pond where Enfield swam, have been popular wild swimming locations for decades, attracting swimmers who seek the health and wellness benefits of cold water immersion.

The popularity of wild swimming in London has increased significantly in recent years, with more people seeking out the natural swimming ponds on Hampstead Heath. This growth in popularity has sometimes led to concerns about overcrowding and the impact on wildlife, with reports of swimmers disturbing swans and their chicks during heatwaves. The medical community has consistently warned about the risks of cold water exposure without proper protection, particularly regarding ear health and the development of exostoses.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect North London Wild Swimmers

This development is likely to have a significant impact on the wild swimming community in north London, particularly among regular swimmers at Hampstead Heath’s ponds. Given that Enfield is a well-known public figure, his diagnosis may raise awareness about the risks of cold water swimming without ear protection among both experienced and newcomer swimmers.

The warning from Enfield’s experience could lead to increased use of earplugs among wild swimmers in north London, as medical advice indicates that using earplugs while swimming might prevent the swellings from growing bigger. Local swimming communities may become more vigilant about recommending protective gear to new members, particularly those who plan to swim regularly in cold water throughout the year.

For the broader north London community, this news may encourage more frank discussions about the health risks associated with popular wellness activities, including wild swimming. Local health professionals may see increased questions from patients about cold water swimming safety, particularly regarding ear protection and the signs of developing exostoses. The condition’s slow development means that many current regular swimmers may already have early-stage exostoses without knowing it, potentially leading to more people seeking medical evaluation for hearing problems.

The incident may also influence how swimming clubs and groups at Hampstead Heath organize their activities, with greater emphasis on safety education and protective equipment recommendations for members. Given that the condition affects both ears and worsens with continued exposure, regular swimmers who learn about Enfield’s diagnosis may reconsider their swimming frequency or invest in proper ear protection to prevent long-term hearing damage.