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Ears: Glue ear - brief versionDisclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child. Key points to remember about glue ear
For a more detailed version of this fact sheet, see:  Back to TopWhat is glue ear?Glue ear occurs when the space behind the ear drum (middle ear) is filled with fluid. The fluid can be thick and sticky which is why it's called glue ear. Glue ear can affect one or both ears. It often follows an ear infection or can occur on its own.
See:
Back to TopWhy is glue ear a problem?Normal hearing relies on the space behind the ear drum (middle ear) being full of air. When this air is replaced by fluid, it is harder for your child to hear. If both ears have fluid, your child's hearing can be significantly reduced. Hearing loss for prolonged periods of time during the early years may affect speech and language development.
Back to TopWhat puts my child at risk of getting glue ear?The risk factors for glue ear are the same as for ear infections.
See:
Back to TopWhat are the signs and symptoms of glue ear?Children with glue ear are not unwell and may have few symptoms other than hearing loss - the most important symptom. Often, glue ear is only found when your child is being examined for something completely different. It is always a good idea for you to make sure your family doctor checks your children's ears at every opportunity.
Hearing loss
The extent of hearing loss in children with glue ear can vary but the average hearing loss is similar to trying to hear with ear plugs in place. Sounds are muffled.
Young children can't express this hearing loss and often parents mistakenly feel that their child is ignoring them. Signs to watch for include your child:
Reduced hearing may cause behaviour problems such as a lack of concentration or attention. Children may feel irritable if they keep missing out on what others are saying. Problems with speech and language development could be a sign of glue ear.
Although the fluid doesn't usually cause pain, sleep disturbance is often reported by parents.
Back to TopWhat is the treatment for glue ear?The best treatment for glue ear is time. In most children, episodes of glue ear get better without active treatment. For this reason, your family doctor may simply recommend regular appointments for up to three months so they can check your child's ears.
If your child has fluid in the space behind the ear drum for more than three months, treatment options include:
Ongoing observation
This may be an option if hearing and development are normal. As children grow older they are less likely to have glue ear. This is because their Eustachian tubes get bigger and work better. The Eustachian tubes connect the space behind the ear drum (middle ear) of each ear to the back of the nose.
See:
Regular reviews by a health professional are necessary during this period.
Grommets (tympanostomy or ventilation tubes)
Some children with ongoing glue ear may require grommets. See Grommets (tympanostomy or ventilation tubes).
Treatments which are not recommended
Treatments which have been used in the past and have been shown to be ineffective include decongestants (such as Pseudoephedrine), antihistamines (such as Phenergan) and steroids (such as Prednisone).
Longer courses of antibiotics have also been used in the past as treatment for glue ear. However, antibiotics only have a small impact on the clearance of fluid in the space behind the ear drum, and the benefit is probably only temporary. Because of this and concerns about the complications of prolonged use (including the development of antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, diarrhoea and thrush) antibiotics are no longer routinely used as treatment for glue ear.
Back to TopWhat can I do to help if my child has glue ear?If your child has glue ear they may not be able to hear you. Remember to speak slowly and clearly to your child. Try to make sure your child can see your face when you are speaking to them and try to minimise background noise. It can be helpful to get their attention before you speak to them.
Let your child's teachers know that they may also need to get your child's attention before speaking, and that your child may need to sit at the front of the class to hear well. Glue ear is common and teachers are usually aware of the importance of making sure children hear well.
Back to TopWhen should I seek help?If you are concerned about your child's hearing or language development see your family doctor.
If your child has glue ear for more than three months or repeated episodes of glue ear, they should see an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. As part of an assessment by the specialist, a hearing test may be arranged.
If your child has had grommets inserted for glue ear, and continues to have hearing or developmental issues, a hearing test and further review by a specialist will be necessary.
For a more detailed list of symptoms to watch out for, including some more serious symptoms, see:
Back to TopAcknowledgements Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand acknowledge the co-operation of Procare Health Ltd in the development of this fact sheet. Procare Health Ltd provides GP (general practice) services in the greater Auckland area. Back to TopYour notesEndorsement
This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 30/06/2011
CopyrightFact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation. © The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012
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