Glue ear is a common condition that affects children. It’s also called otitis media with effusion. Glue ear is very common in children. But you can have it at any age. Boys seem to get it more than girls. Glue ear is also more common in children who were bottle fed, or who live in homes where people smoke.

What causes glue ear?

Glue ear is caused by a build up of sticky fluid inside the middle ear. This sticky fluid or ‘glue’ stops the tiny bones inside the middle ear from moving, which results in hearing loss. The amount of hearing loss is rarely severe or profound.

We don’t know what causes glue ear, but doctors think it’s linked to the Eustachian tube not functioning properly. When it’s working properly, the Eustachian tube keeps the air pressure on either side of your eardrums equal. If the tube is blocked, it causes the air pressure inside the middle ear to drop. Fluid drains from the surrounding tissues to fill up the middle ear. Over time, this fluid becomes sticky and stops the eardrum and tiny bones vibrating, as they should.

What are the signs and symptoms of glue ear?

The main symptom of glue ear is not being able to hear very well. It can also effect your speech development. For example, you may seem to start speaking at a later stage than other children of the same age. You may also appear not to be listening or have the television on at a high volume. These all point to some sort of hearing problem, but the most common reason is glue ear. Occasionally, children with glue ear have a mild earache, but this is more commonly due to ear infections.

How is it normally diagnosed and treated?

It’s best to see the doctor if you have any difficulty hearing. They can tell you if it’s glue ear. They will let you know if you need to go to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. In most cases glue ear goes away after a few months. But it may start to affect your speech, language or how you do at school. In this case you may need some treatment.

You may have something called ‘autoinflation’ which involves blowing up a balloon with your nose. This sounds strange but it will help to allow air to pass along the Eustachian tube and balances the pressure in the middle ear. Sometimes you may need to have a small operation. This is where a grommet (a tiny tube) is inserted into the eardrum. This will help your hearing.

You may be given an intra-nasal steroid spray. These treat glue ear by reducing the swelling around the Eustachian tube and this in turn allows air to pass along it more easily.

If glue ear is starting to affect a child’s speech, language or schooling, treatment with grommets is usually suggested; mild cases may clear up without treatment. A grommet is a tiny tube inserted into the eardrum

What’s going to help?

Talk to your teacher if you have problems hearing in lessons. Sitting nearer to the front of the class can help if you feel left out.

Looking forward

Children who have had treatment for glue ear don’t usually have any other problems. In time, most of them catch up with children their own age, but a few need some speech and language therapy to help.

For more help and information

The National Deaf Children’s Society runs a helpline that provides clear information on all aspects of childhood deafness and glue ear (voice and textphone). Telephone: 0808 800 8880

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 31 January 2007

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