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Harry Enfield Shares Severe Health Condition Caused by Popular Wellness Trend
The comedian said a doctor diagnosed exostoses after a hearing-aid visit, and the condition can cause hearing loss, the NHS says.
- Comedy actor Harry Enfield, 65, revealed he is "partially deaf" after years of freshwater swimming at Highgate Ponds, diagnosed with exostoses—commonly known as "surfer's ear"—during a recent hearing aid fitting.
- Cold water swimming has soared over recent years, with a 2024 study estimating around 1.2 million Brits joined specialized groups, championed by celebrities including Harry Styles, Jamie Dornan and Kate Middleton.
- The NHS defines exostoses as "the abnormal growth of bone in the ear canal by repeated exposure to cold water and wind," which develops slowly and can cause trapped earwax, infections and hearing loss.
- Enfield rejected surgical removal as "very painful and take a long time," instead pursuing hearing aids. He told Off Menu podcast hosts: "They cost a fortune, but they're worth having."
- Consultant Anaesthetist Mark Harper, medical adviser to the Outdoor Swimming Society, maintains swimming can "produce positive health benefits and give us the confidence and physical and mental ability to endure other stresses in the future.
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13 Articles
13 Articles
Harry Enfield shares severe health condition caused by popular wellness trend
Comedian Harry Enfield has opened up about a health condition he believes developed from his years of cold water swimming, but admits he has elected against undergoing a 'painful' surgery
·Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 33%
C 42%
R 25%
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