Cold water swimming has become increasingly popular, but comedian Harry Enfield has highlighted a potential downside: hearing loss. The 65-year-old told the Off Menu podcast that regular swims in North London's Highgate Ponds have left him partially deaf, with what he described as 'stalactites' in his ears.
Audiologist Ryan Reid from The Hearing Clinic UK explained that freshwater swimmers can develop exostoses, or 'surfer's ear', which are bony growths in the ear canal. These growths narrow the canal over time, causing conductive hearing loss by blocking sound from reaching the inner ear.
'It doesn't always present with a lot of symptoms, but in the long-term if the ear canal narrows enough, people can experience a dullness in their hearing,' Reid said. The growths can also trap water, wax and debris, increasing the risk of ear infections.
Many people are unaware they have the condition until a hearing test. Reid noted that the growths are benign but do not reverse or shrink without treatment. Surgery is an option, but it can be painful and waiting lists are long. Hearing aids can help overcome the hearing loss.
To prevent surfer's ear, Reid recommends reducing time spent in freshwater or using swimming earplugs to keep cold water and air out of the ears.
