Can freshwater dips lead to hearing loss?

YOU MAY BE AT RISK OF ‘SURFER’S EAR’, BY CAMILLA FOSTER

- BY CAMILLA FOSTER

ALTHOUGH many people extol the benefits of cold water swimming, comedian Harry Enfield has spoken about some adverse effects.

Cold water swimming has surged in popularity in recent years, with many sharing videos online of themselves plunging into their local ponds and lakes, while praising the activity’s many health benefits.

However, the 65-year-old comedy actor told Ed Gamble and James Acaster on their Off Menu podcast that he regularly swims in Highgate Ponds in North London, but has now developed some hearing issues as a result.

Speaking on the podcast, Harry said: “I’m deaf, partially deaf and because I swim in Highgate Ponds, I’ve got stalactites in my ears.”

He went on to say that he now has hearing aids to help.

“They’ve got tiny little hearing aids you can get now and apparently they’re very good. They cost a fortune, but they’re worth having. So, I went to get them fitted,” said Harry.

Here, Ryan Reid, from The Hearing Clinic UK based in Glasgow, explains why freshwater swimming can affect our hearing, and if there is anything we can do to prevent this...