Ear Block After Swimming or Surfing in Bali: Causes and How to Treat It
You have just come out of the water after a surf session at Uluwatu or a swim at Seminyak beach and suddenly one ear feels completely blocked, muffled, or full. It is one of the most common complaints among surfers and swimmers in Bali, and while it often resolves on its own, there are times when it needs proper medical attention.
Here is what is actually happening in your ear, and what to do about it.
What Causes Ear Block After Water Activities?
There are two main culprits behind ear block after swimming or surfing in Bali.
Water trapped in the ear canal is the most common cause. When water gets inside the ear and fails to drain, it creates a sensation of fullness or muffled hearing. This is usually temporary and resolves within a few hours. However, in a warm, humid environment like Bali, trapped water can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi — leading to a condition called swimmer's ear (otitis externa).
Surfer's ear (exostosis) is a longer-term condition seen in frequent surfers and divers. Repeated exposure to cold water and wind causes the bony walls of the ear canal to slowly develop abnormal bone growths, progressively narrowing the canal over time. This makes it harder for water and debris to drain naturally, increasing the risk of infections and blockages. Surfer's ear develops gradually over years and is common among people who surf regularly in Bali's ocean conditions.
Swimmer's Ear vs. Surfer's Ear: Key Differences
Swimmer's ear comes on quickly, usually within a day or two of water exposure. It presents as ear pain, itching inside the canal, a feeling of blockage, and sometimes discharge. The ear canal becomes inflamed and tender, and touching or pulling the outer ear typically worsens the pain.
Surfer's ear, by contrast, develops silently over months or years. There is no pain in the early stages, only a gradual worsening of muffled hearing and increasing difficulty draining water after sessions. Many surfers in Bali are unaware they have it until symptoms become significant.
What to Do If Your Ear Feels Blocked After Surfing
For mild water trapping with no pain, tilt your head to the affected side and gently pull the outer ear upward and backward to straighten the canal. Let gravity do the work. You can also try jumping with your head tilted, or use a clean towel to gently dry the outer ear.
Avoid inserting cotton buds or any object into the ear canal. this pushes wax and debris deeper and can damage the sensitive skin lining, making infection more likely.
If the blockage does not resolve within 24 hours, or if you develop pain, discharge, itching, or significant hearing loss, it is time to see a doctor. A physician can properly examine the ear canal, confirm whether an infection is present, and prescribe appropriate ear drops, typically antibiotic or antifungal drops depending on the cause.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor promptly if you experience ear pain that is getting worse rather than better, discharge or fluid coming from the ear, significant hearing loss in the affected ear, fever alongside ear symptoms, or a blocked feeling that persists for more than a day or two despite home remedies.
Do not continue surfing or swimming with an active ear infection. Water exposure delays healing and can cause the infection to worsen or spread.
If you surf regularly in Bali and have noticed a progressive worsening of muffled hearing after sessions over time, it is worth getting a proper ear examination. Surfer's ear caught early can be managed conservatively, while advanced cases may require a surgical procedure to remove the bony growths.
Prevention Tips for Surfers and Swimmers in Bali
Wearing custom-fitted surfer's ear plugs during water sessions significantly reduces both water entry and cold wind exposure, slowing the progression of exostosis. They are available at several surf shops across Bali and are one of the most worthwhile investments for regular surfers.
After every session, tilt and drain both ears thoroughly and allow them to dry naturally. Some surfers use a diluted white vinegar rinse a few drops after sessions, which helps restore the slightly acidic environment of the ear canal that naturally inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. Always consult a doctor before using any ear drops if you suspect a perforated eardrum.
Get Your Ear Checked in Bali
If your ear has not cleared up after a day or two, or if you are in pain, do not leave it untreated. Ear infections in a tropical, humid climate like Bali can escalate quickly and become significantly more difficult to treat the longer they are left.
Bali Doctor provides on call home visits and clinic consultations across the island, with English-speaking doctors available seven days a week. If your ear is bothering you, get it checked early, it is a straightforward problem to treat when caught promptly.
Contact Bali Doctor via WhatsApp to book a consultation at your villa, hotel, or our clinic.
