Glue ear
What is glue ear?
Glue ear is where the empty middle part of the ear canal fills up with fluid (usually mucus). This can cause temporary hearing loss. Usually, the condition clears up within three months, but it’s advisable to see a doctor about any hearing problems. Glue ear can affect both ears at the same time.
Glue ear symptoms can include:
- Ear pain or earache
- Hearing sound like buzzing and ringing (tinnitus)
Glue ear is much more common in children but adults usually have the same symptoms.
Your child may be struggling to hear if they often:
- Are difficult to understand
- Are speaking more quietly or loudly than usual
- Ask people to repeat what they say
- Turn up the volume on electronic devices or asks for it to be turned up
- Become distracted when people are talking
- Seem irritable or tired because it’s harder to listen
One of our specialists can usually diagnose glue ear by looking for inside fluid inside the ear. They'll often use a small scope with a magnifying glass and a light. This should not be painful.
If your child has had glue ear for more than three months, they may be referred to a specialist for hearing tests.
Treatment for glue ear
Glue ear is not always treated and will usually get better on its own. It often clears up on its own within three months.
Your child may still be monitored for up to a year in case the symptoms change or get worse.
You may be advised to try nasal balloon auto inflation while waiting for symptoms to improve. Auto inflation can help fluid in the ear to drain.
It is done by either of these methods
- Holding the nostrils closed whilst swallowing
- Blowing up a special balloon using one nostril at a time
If glue ear causes an ear infection you may need antibiotics.
Does my child need hospital treatment for glue ear?
Your child may be referred to a specialist in a hospital if:
- Glue ear symptoms are affecting the child’s development and learning
- They already had severe hearing loss before glue ear
- They have been diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate or with Down syndrome. If they have these conditions it can mean glue ear is less likely to get better by itself.
The two main treatments are temporary grommets or hearing aids.
On rare occasions, surgery may be recommended to remove some glands called adenoids which are located at the back of the nose, above the roof of the mouth. This procedure is known as an adenoidectomy.
The specialist in the hospital will help you decide on the best treatment option
Grommets for treating glue ear
Grommets are small temporary tubes that are placed in your child’s ear during surgery. They keep the eardrum open and help drain fluid away.
The grommet eventually falls out within six to 12 months as your child’s ear gets better.
Book an appointment with one of our specialists if you or your child are having hearing problems. It may be glue ear or another condition.


What is glue ear and how is it treated?
By Mr Ravinder Singh Natt
2022-08-12
Glue ear is a common condition that affects 80% of children at some point in their life. It’s easy to diagnose and can be treated, but it’s important to recognise it early on, since any hearing impairment can affect the development of your child. Consultant ENT surgeon Mr Ravinder Natt explains the symptoms of glue ear, and how it is treated. See more


Glue ear – the FAQs answered
By Mr Sam Khemani
2022-08-11
Glue ear is a build-up of liquid in the middle ear. Glue ear is so common that 8 out of 10 children will experience it and it usually affects children under the age of seven. Mr Sam Khemani, an experienced ENT surgeon, answers some FAQs on this common childhood health problem. See more


What can I do to help my child with glue ear?
By Mr Michael Kuo
2022-08-06
Have you noticed a high temperature and ear charge in your little one? It may be symptoms of glue ear! Top paediatric ENT surgeon Mr Michael Kuo explains the options available when it comes to treating a case of glue ear that isn’t clearing up by itself in children. See more


How do I know if my child has glue ear?
By Mr Michael Kuo
2022-07-28
Do you know how to spot the signs of glue ear in your little one? One of our top ENT surgeons Mr Michael Kuo explains the symptoms to watch out for and how long the middle ear infection should take to clear up. See more
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Mr Richard Irving
Otolaryngology / ENTExpert in:
- Facial paralysis
- Vertigo
- Glue ear
- Deafness
- Acoustic neuroma
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Mr Prince Modayil
Otolaryngology / ENTExpert in:
- Paediatric ENT
- Sinusitis
- Tonsillitis
- Adenoids
- Glue ear
- Sleep apnoea
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Mr Sam Khemani
Otolaryngology / ENTExpert in:
- Sinusitis
- Tonsillitis
- Paediatric ENT
- Glue ear
- Nasal polyps
- Hearing loss
-
Mrs Jaswinder Panesar
Otolaryngology / ENTExpert in:
- Paediatric ENT
- Allergic rhinitis
- Voice disorders
- Vertigo
- Glue ear
- Obstructive sleep apnea
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Mr Harry Powell
Otolaryngology / ENTExpert in:
- Otosclerosis
- Cholesteatoma
- Cochlear Implants
- Ear infection
- Glue ear
- Hearing loss
- See all

London ENT Surgeons
London ENT Surgeons
10 Independents Road, SE3 9LF
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Top Doctors

Birmingham Ear Clinic
Birmingham Ear Clinic
The Priory Hospital, Priory Road, B5 7UG
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Top Doctors
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London ENT Surgeons
10 Independents Road, SE3 9LF, East LondonExpert in:
- Allergies nose and ears
- Otolaryngology
- Otology
- Plastic surgery, reconstructive and aesthetics
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Birmingham Ear Clinic
The Priory Hospital, Priory Road, B5 7UG, EdgbastonExpert in:
- Hearing Implants
- Otology
- See all