Glue Ear

Glue Ear is surprisingly common, affecting over 80% of children in the UK and is the most common reason for deafness in children. It is a condition where fluid collects in the middle ear and causes a loss of hearing. The fluid can vary from a thin clearish liquid to a very thick sticky gluey substance. There is a tube which runs from the back of the nose to the middle ear. This tube is responsible for the pressure within the ear. If the tube swells through infection or allergic reaction, mucus is produced and this flows into the middle ear, thus causing glue ear and producing deafness. Symptoms normally involve a loss of hearing which may appear at first to go after a few weeks. However the hearing loss does tend to return.

Cases of Glue Ear can vary dramatically in their degree of seriousness. Some cases can clear up of their own accord, other cases of Glue Ear require surgery and the insertion of Grommets.

In the huge majority of cases the are no lasting affects.


What to Do

Make an appointment to see your doctor. He should be able to detect Glue Ear simply by looking into your child's ears. IF not , he can send you for simple tests to determine whether your child is suffering form Glue Ear. Your doctor may prescribe decongestants or antibiotics. In worst case scenarios a simple surgical operation is performed and a plastic grommet is inserted into the middle ear to maintain air pressure, avoid mucus build up and restore hearing.