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Glue ear is when fluid builds up in the middle ear canal, causing temporary hearing loss. Learn how to check for glue ear, when to see a GP, and what treatments are available, such as grommets or autoinflation.
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A blocked eustachian tube can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear. This is often known as 'glue ear' because sometimes the fluid is sticky like glue. The fluid makes it much more difficult for the sound waves to pass through your ear canal. It also prevents the eardrum and ossicles from vibrating properly.
- Adults can get glue ear, although it’s far less common in adults than it is in children. If you have glue ear as an adult, you may see a specialist...
- Often you won’t need any treatment for glue ear. It usually gets better on its own within a few months. If glue ear doesn’t go away after a few mon...
- If your glue ear doesn’t clear by itself within a few months, your doctor may give you the option to have grommets. You can continue waiting for it...
Oct 31, 2023 · Glue ear is a condition where the middle ear fills with glue-like fluid instead of air. This causes dulled hearing. In most cases it clears without any treatment. An operation to clear the fluid and to insert ventilation tubes (grommets) or temporary use of hearing aids may be advised if glue ear persists.
Glue ear is a condition where fluid builds up in the middle ear, causing hearing loss, earache, tinnitus and other problems. Learn how to recognize the signs, causes and treatments of glue ear in adults and children, and how to prevent it with Boots Hearingcare.
- Overview
- What causes glue ear?
- What are symptoms of glue ear?
- How does glue ear get diagnosed?
- How is glue ear treated?
- Can you prevent glue ear?
- The takeaway
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Glue ear, known as adhesive otitis, is a condition that occurs when the middle part of your ear fills with fluid. This part of the ear is located behind the eardrum. The fluid can become thick and sticky, like glue.
Overtime, glue ear is likely to lead to a middle ear infection. It can also make it difficult for you to hear. Such complications can become serious, so it’s important to identify and treat glue ear promptly.
Glue ear happens when thick fluid builds up inside your middle ear. As with general ear infections, glue ear tends to be more common in children.
This is because the eustachian tubes deep inside the ear are narrower than an adult’s and more prone to becoming clogged. These tubes are responsible for helping the ear maintain healthy space free of excess fluids.
Normally, the space behind the middle ear is only filled with air. But sometimes fluid can build up in the space as a result of an illness, such as a cold or virus.
Severe allergies may also cause such issues inside the middle ear. In such cases, the eustachian tubes can become swollen and constricted, leading to fluid buildup.
Other risk factors for glue ear include:
•age, especially under age 2
Hearing difficulty is the most common symptom in children. In fact, a child with glue ear may not have any complaints at all. You might notice that your child:
•talks louder than usual
•has difficulty hearing others speak at normal volumes
•can’t hear noises from far away
•asks for people to repeat themselves
•turns up volume on electronic devices
Glue ear is diagnosed with an ear exam at your doctor’s office. They’ll use a magnified scope with a light attached to it to look inside your ear. This device can help them see where there’s fluid buildup.
If glue ear keeps coming back, or if it lasts for longer than three months, you may need to see a hearing specialist.
Autoinflation
One way you can alleviate fluid buildup at home is through autoinflation. This involves blowing up a balloonlike device with each nostril. For best results, autoinflation is done several times a day. This method isn’t recommended for children under age 3.
Hearing aids and speech therapy
Severe or chronic cases of glue ear may require treatment from a specialist, such as an ear nose and throat (ENT) doctor. Temporary hearing aids may be used to help improve auditory skills when middle ear fluid is present. If lack of hearing has impacted your child’s developmental milestones, then your doctor might also recommend speech therapy.
Surgery
Chronic glue ear is sometimes treated with a type of surgery called an adenoidectomy. During this procedure, your doctor removes your adenoid glands from behind your nose that may be contributing to fluid buildup in your ear. These glands are connected to the base of the eustachian tubes. When the adenoids become irritated and inflamed, the eustachian tubes can follow suit, thereby leading to fluid buildup and possible ear infections. During and after surgery, you’ll need to wear small tubes in your ears called grommets, commonly referred to as ear tubes or pressure equalizer tubes. These keep your eardrum open by allowing fluid to drain away from behind it. Grommets are only temporary though, and they usually fall out on their own within a year.
Glue ear may be difficult to prevent, especially in young children. One way to help prevent chronic glue ear is to try to stay healthy and support your or your child’s immune system as it’s developing.
Also, identify and treat allergies and limit exposure to smoke and similar inhaled irritants.
While glue ear can present serious complications, this common childhood condition tends to resolve on its own in many cases. It can take as long as three months to fully clear up. As fluid drains from the ears, you’re hearing will improve on its own.
If you notice any significant hearing difficulties, signs of an ear infection, or if your glue ear lasts longer than three months, then it’s time to see a doctor. Once you’ve had glue ear, you’ll need to see your doctor regularly to make sure more fluid doesn’t build up in the middle ear and cause hearing issues.
Glue ear is a condition where the middle ear fills with thick and sticky fluid, which can affect hearing and cause infections. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for glue ear, as well as how to prevent it.
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- Kristeen Cherney
Glue ear is a common childhood condition that affects hearing and speech development. Learn about the causes, signs, diagnosis and treatment options for glue ear from the National Deaf Children's Society.
People also ask
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Learn what glue ear is, how it affects hearing and speech, and how grommets can help. Find out what to expect before, during and after the operation at GOSH.
