Glue ear is a relatively common condition which occurs primarily in young children under the age of seven. It can cause muffled hearing, a feeling of pressure within the ears and sometimes tinnitus – a ringing noise in the ear. Glue ear, or ‘Otitis media with effusion’ to give its clinical name, is caused by a buildup of a sticky substance – a bit like glue – in the ear canal.
What are the symptoms of glue ear?
Because it often affects young children, a parent’s first inclination that something might be wrong is when a child doesn’t respond to their name as easily.
Additionally, the infant might be a little more irritable than normal, or struggle to concentrate on tasks they previously enjoyed. If glue ear continues long term, it can affect their learning and speech development, too, according to the NHS.
What causes glue ear?
Glue ear often follows an ear infection or passing illness such as sinusitis, a cough or a cold. Fluid can build up in a part of the ear called the Eustachian tubes, and when a child is suffering from one of these common ailments, the fluid can’t drain properly and becomes trapped.
It’s more common in children than adults because their Eustachian tubes are narrower than those of adults. They’re also prone to picking up frequent viruses in childcare settings as their immune system is still developing.
Will glue ear resolve itself?
Glue ear often resolves itself within around three months. However, if symptoms persist beyond this time or are particularly severe, it may be worth a trip to see your GP or consult an audiologist. A simple hearing test Cheltenham or your nearest location offered by a specialist such as https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/cheltenham/ can quickly and easily check yours or your children’s ear health and make any recommendations if your hearing is in any way affected.
If treatment is needed, you may be offered a simple technique called balloon dilation treatment. In more severe cases, grommets may be offered as a long-term solution.
