Glue ear
Glue ear is one of the most common causes of hearing loss in children. In many cases it will get better on its own, but occasionally further help is needed.
What is Glue Ear?
Behind the eardrum there's an area called the ‘middle ear’ which is normally filled with air. A channel called the Eustachian Tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and allows air into the middle ear. If this tube becomes blocked, air can't get in and fluid from the lining of the middle ear begins to build up. The fluid can be runny, or over time it can become thicker and glue like, hence the name ‘Glue Ear’.
Other names for Glue Ear that you may come across are ‘Otitis Media with Effusion’ and ‘congestion’.
How does Glue Ear affect hearing?
When we hear, sounds enter the ear canal, vibrate the ear drum, and then pass through the middle ear to the inner organ of hearing. If there's fluid in the middle ear it makes it harder for the sounds to be conducted to the inner ear, and results in quieter sounds being harder to hear. This is called a ‘conductive’ hearing loss and is usually temporary while the fluid is there.
Symptoms and signs of Glue Ear
The most common symptom of Glue Ear is hearing loss which can affect one or both ears. Signs to look out for in children are:
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Mishearing what has been said or needing things to be repeated
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The volume on the television or their tablet is louder
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Changes in behaviour
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Finding it hard to concentrate
Other symptoms can include ear pain, tinnitus (hearing sounds in the ear like a ringing or buzzing) or problems with balance.
What to do if you are worried that your child has Glue Ear
If you are worried that your child may have Glue Ear speak to your doctor or, in the case of young children, your health visitor.
In many Glue Ear will clear up on its own, particularly if it has followed a heavy cold. However, you may be referred to Audiology for a hearing test to check if it is causing a hearing loss.
At the Audiology department
The audiologist will discuss with you your concerns about your child’s hearing, and any affect this may be having on their speech or behaviour.
We will look in your child’s ears and complete a hearing test. All the results we obtain will be discussed with you at the appointment, together with options on how to help your child. You will receive a report from the appointment which will detail all the results obtained and any further action needed.
Treatment options
If we find a hearing loss due to Glue Ear, there are a number of options we can think about.
Monitoring
In many cases the fluid will clear up on its own. If Glue Ear is causing hearing loss we will repeat the hearing test after three months to see if hearing has improved.
Autoinflation
While the hearing loss is being monitored the audiologist may recommend using autoinflation, which aims to encourage the Eustachian Tube to open to allow air back into the middle ear. This can be done by using a device called an otovent, which is a special balloon blown up using air from the nostril. It can be difficult for young children to use and may not be suitable for those under three years of age. The otovent can be bought from a chemist or on-line, but the audiologist will be able to advise you.
Grommets
If the hearing loss is persistent, a referral to the Ear, Nose and Throat service for further advice may be required. The service will take into consideration how severe the hearing loss is, how long it has been present, and the effect the hearing loss is having on your child.
They may recommend an operation to insert grommets. These are a small plastic tube that can be placed in the ear drum during surgery once the fluid in the middle ear has been drained. They allow air into the middle ear and help to prevent fluid building up again. The grommet usually falls out of the eardrum naturally after 6 to 12 months.
There's a useful NHS page with a video about Glue Ear and grommets.
Hearing aids
Another option if the hearing loss continues is to use temporary hearing aids. This can be helpful if hearing is reduced for a long time, and can help reduce the effect of the hearing loss on your child’s speech development or their progress at school.
Hearing aids will also be offered if your child is too young for grommets, or if they are prone to Glue Ear and surgery may not be suitable.
How can I help my child with temporary hearing loss due to Glue Ear?
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Discuss your child’s hearing loss with their teacher or childminder. Explain that they may not always be able to hear, particularly if there is a lot of background noise. If they do not follow a command it may be that they haven't heard it, rather than they're being naughty.
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When talking to your child, get their attention first, and face them so they can easily see your face when speaking.
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Try to reduce any background noise, such as the television, when talking to your child.
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Speak clearly but do not shout, as this will make you look angry.
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At school ask if your child can sit close to the teacher in the classroom to help them to hear.
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Remember having a hearing loss can be tiring for your child as they are having to concentrate much harder.
More sources of information on Glue Ear
National Deaf Children's Society - Glue Ear
National Deaf Children's Society - Grommets
Hearing to Succeed and Achieve – Ewing Foundation