ENT · Ear, nose and throat

Glue ear

Understand fluid behind the eardrum and its effect on a child’s hearing.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Glue ear is fluid in the middle ear without an acute infection.

Temporary hearing loss, blocked sensation, mild pain, tinnitus or balance problems may occur.

Poor Eustachian-tube ventilation, often after a cold, allows fluid to persist.

Eardrum examination and a history of reduced hearing suggest the diagnosis.

Tympanometry and audiometry measure the fluid and hearing impact.

It often clears within three months, but persistent disease can affect speech, learning and behaviour.

Monitoring and sometimes autoinflation are used; hearing aids, grommets or adenoid surgery suit selected persistent cases.

Seek assessment for concerns about a child’s hearing, speech or school progress.

Severe pain, high fever, discharge, swelling around the ear or a very unwell child needs prompt advice.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.