That Muffled Feeling After Surfing in Bali? It Might Be Swimmer’s Ear. Here’s What to Do

You finish a session at Uluwatu, paddle in, and one ear feels completely blocked. Sounds are muffled, tilting your head does nothing, and the discomfort is hard to ignore. This is one of the most common complaints among surfers and swimmers in Bali, and in the tropics it can escalate quickly if left alone.

These are two different conditions that are often confused.

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by trapped water. Bali’s warm water accelerates bacterial growth, meaning a blocked ear can turn into a painful infection faster than in cooler climates. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness, itching, mild pain, and sometimes discharge from the ear.

Surfer’s Ear (Exostosis) is a long-term condition where repeated exposure to cold water and wind causes bony growths inside the ear canal. It develops gradually over years and is more relevant for regular surfers than casual visitors.

Tilt your head to the affected side and gently pull the outer ear upward and backward to help water drain. Lying with the blocked ear facing down can also help. Dry the outer ear with a clean towel, but never insert cotton buds or fingers into the canal, as this pushes debris deeper and worsens irritation.

If the blockage clears within a day and there is no pain or discharge, you are likely fine. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is time to see a doctor.

Get a professional assessment if you experience pain that is getting worse, discharge or fluid from the ear, noticeable hearing loss, swelling around the ear, or fever alongside ear symptoms. A doctor will examine the canal and if swimmer’s ear is confirmed, prescribe antibiotic or antifungal ear drops. Most cases resolve within 7 to 10 days with the right treatment.

Do not self-treat with over-the-counter drops before knowing whether your eardrum is intact, as some drops can cause damage if the eardrum is perforated.

Bali Medical Service offers ear assessments at our clinic or via doctor home visit to your villa or hotel, so you can get checked quickly and get back in the water sooner.

Wearing surf earplugs during longer sessions is the most effective way to keep water out. Drying ears thoroughly after every surf and avoiding the ocean directly after heavy rain, when river runoff increases bacterial levels near popular beaches, also significantly reduces your risk.