Kids’ Ear Infections in Bali: Pool Days, Germs and Prevention Tips
Bali is a paradise for families, known for its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant culture, and endless pool days. But for parents, the tropical lifestyle brings unique health challenges especially when it comes to children’s ear infections. Earaches can quickly turn a holiday into a stressful experience. At Trishnanda Care Centre, our mission is to keep your family healthy and informed. This comprehensive guide explains why ear infections are common in Bali’s climate, what you can do to prevent them, and how to get fast help if your child is affected.
Understanding Ear Infections in Children
What is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection occurs when bacteria or viruses cause inflammation in the middle ear (otitis media) or the outer ear canal (otitis externa, commonly known as “swimmer’s ear”). Young children are more prone because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for germs to reach the middle ear.
Why Are Ear Infections So Common in Bali?
Bali’s warm, humid climate creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Kids love spending hours swimming in pools or the ocean. Prolonged water exposure softens the skin lining the ear canal and washes away protective wax, making it easier for germs to enter. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swimmer’s ear is especially frequent during hot weather and in regions where children are often in water.
Contributing Factors:
• Frequent Swimming: Chlorinated pools can irritate delicate ear skin. Natural bodies of water may contain microorganisms.
• Humidity: Moisture trapped in the ear canal fosters the growth of bacteria and fungi.
• Ear Cleaning Habits: Using cotton buds or other objects can damage the ear canal and remove protective wax.
Recognising Symptoms of Ear Infections
Main Signs to Watch For
Early detection is key to preventing complications. Watch for these symptoms after a day at the pool or beach:
• Pain or discomfort in one or both ears
• Itching or a feeling of fullness inside the ear
• Pus-like discharge (clear, yellow, or green fluid)
• Muffled hearing or temporary hearing loss
• Fever (more common in middle ear infections)
• Irritability or increased crying in infants and toddlers
If your child pulls at their ears frequently or complains of pain after swimming, do not ignore these signs.
Differentiating Between Middle Ear and Outer Ear Infections
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
This infection typically follows a cold, sinus infection, or allergies. Fluid builds up behind the eardrum, causing pressure and pain. Children may also have a fever.
Otitis Externa (“Swimmer’s Ear”)
This affects the outer ear canal and is strongly linked with water exposure. The pain often worsens when touching or pulling on the outer ear. Swelling and discharge are common.
When to Seek Medical Help
• Severe pain or swelling around the ear
• High fever
• Hearing loss that persists beyond one day
• Pus draining from the ear
• Symptoms lasting longer than two days without improvement
Trishnanda Care Centre offers 24/7 doctor-on-call services with English-speaking doctors and nurses. We provide mobile visits across Bali so you can access professional care quickly.
The Link Between Pool Days and Ear Infections
Bali’s Pools: Fun with Hidden Risks
Swimming pools while a favourite way for kids to cool off are hotspots for germs if not properly maintained. Even with good chlorination, some bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can survive and cause swimmer’s ear. Prolonged immersion increases moisture retention inside little ears.
Ocean swimming carries risks too. Natural waters may contain different microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that thrive in tropical climates.
Factors Increasing Risk During Pool Days:
• Poorly maintained pools with inadequate chlorine levels
• Diving frequently (forces water deep into the canal)
• Wearing swim caps that trap moisture against ears
• Lack of drying ears after swimming sessions
The Role of Germs: What Parents Need to Know
Bacteria & Fungi: The Main Culprits
The main pathogens behind swimmer’s ear are bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Fungal infections can also occur due to constant dampness. These organisms multiply rapidly in warm, moist conditions.
Public health guidelines recommend avoiding swimming when your child has an active ear infection to prevent spreading germs to others and worsening their own condition.
The Issue of Antibiotic Resistance
According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, antibiotic resistance among common bacteria is rising globally. This makes it even more important to prevent infections rather than rely on antibiotics after symptoms develop.
Prevention Tips: Keeping Your Child’s Ears Healthy in Bali
1. Dry Ears Thoroughly After Swimming or Bathing
After every swim or bath:
• Tilt your child’s head to each side to let water drain out naturally.
• Use a soft towel to gently dry around the outer ear.
• Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal including cotton buds.
2. Use Preventive Ear Drops When Appropriate
Some paediatricians recommend over-the-counter drying drops made from alcohol and vinegar mixtures after swimming (never use if your child has tubes in their ears, a history of eardrum perforation, or current infection). Always consult a doctor before using any drops.
3. Teach Proper Swimming Hygiene
Remind children not to put fingers or objects into their ears while in the pool or afterwards. Avoid sharing towels with others.
4. Choose Safe Swimming Spots
Select well-maintained pools with adequate chlorine levels. If you’re unsure about water quality at public pools or beaches, consider alternatives like splash parks.
5. Limit Time Spent Underwater & Remove Swim Caps Promptly
Spending long periods submerged increases risk. Encourage breaks between swims and remove swim caps as soon as possible to allow ears to dry out completely.
If Your Child Is Prone To Ear Infections:
• Avoid swimming during an active infection.
• Consider custom-fitted swim moulds/earplugs recommended by your paediatrician.
• If your child has medical devices such as grommets/tubes in place, ask your doctor about additional precautions.
Treatment: What To Do If Your Child Gets an Ear Infection in Bali
First Steps at Home
If you suspect an ear infection:
• Avoid further swimming until cleared by a doctor.
• Treat mild pain with age-appropriate paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen as directed.
• Nurture hydration; fevers can increase fluid needs our Hydration IV packages may be helpful if your child struggles with oral intake (learn more here about mobile hydration therapy for families in Bali)
• Avoid inserting any drops unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• If there is pus/discharge from the ear canal, keep it clean but do not block it with cotton wool.
If symptoms persist beyond two days or rapidly worsen especially if accompanied by high fever seek immediate medical attention.
Your Options With Trishnanda Care Centre
• 24/7 Doctor-On-Call:
English-speaking doctors & nurses available any time across Bali via our mobile service.
Book here for rapid home consultation.
• In-Villa Lab Tests:
If symptoms suggest another illness (such as dengue fever alongside an ear infection), we offer rapid home testing including dengue NS1+CBC.
See our full range of tests available on-call throughout Bali.
• Pain Relief & Recovery Support:
Mobile IV therapies including Hydration IVs (details here about our hydration package for kids & adults alike) can assist with comfort during recovery if needed.
View our Relief IV therapy options here.
• No Extra Trips Needed – Free Island-wide Delivery:
We deliver all prescribed medications directly across Bali at no cost so you can focus on caring for your child without leaving your villa.
Contact Trishnanda Care Centre via WhatsApp for fast support anytime across Denpasar, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud and beyond.
The Importance of Preventing Recurrence While Living or Travelling in Bali
Ear infections often recur if proper precautions are not taken particularly in tropical environments where children swim regularly. Chronic infections can lead to hearing loss in rare cases and affect speech development if left untreated according to American Academy of Pediatrics guidance.
To prevent recurrence:
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use only treat confirmed bacterial infections under medical advice.
• Cultivate daily habits that keep ears dry after water exposure.
• If recommended by your paediatrician, consider Immunity IV therapies (see details here about boosting immune resilience with mobile IV packages delivered anywhere in Bali).
Vaccinations also play a role; while there is no vaccine specifically for swimmer’s ear, routine immunisations reduce risk factors for some middle ear infections caused by conditions like influenza.
Ask us about travel vaccinations delivered right to your villa for maximum convenience here.
Bali Pool Days Can Be Safe With Smart Prevention—and Support When You Need It Most
A holiday or everyday life in Bali should be memorable for all the right reasons. By recognising risk factors unique to this climate and following simple prevention strategies outlined above, you can help your children enjoy every pool day safely.
If an issue arises despite your best efforts remember prompt intervention makes all the difference. Trishnanda Care Centre provides qualified English-speaking doctors & nurses available day and night via our mobile clinic service throughout Bali so you never have to worry alone.
This content is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised diagnosis and treatment.
Your family’s health comes first wherever you are on the island. If you need fast medical attention for children’s ear infections or any other concernsreach out now via
WhatsApp Chat: Trishnanda Care Centre Bali Hotline (Open 24/7).
We’re here when you need us most.