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

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.

Articles related to Glue ear

Glue ear – the FAQs answered

By Mr Sam Khemani
2021-10-16

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
2021-10-15

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

What is glue ear and how is it treated?

By Mr Ravinder Singh Natt
2021-10-13

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

How do I know if my child has glue ear?

By Mr Michael Kuo
2021-10-11

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

Experts in Glue ear