Does My Child Have Glue Ear?

Glue ear is a common childhood illness, most frequently affecting the under-fives. One of the most common symptoms of glue ear is temporary deafness. As with any type of hearing loss, a child with recurrent or undiagnosed glue ear might experience issues such as social isolation or delayed speech.

Glue ear is typically linked with ear infections, and it can sometimes develop unnoticed. If your child is uncharacteristically irritable, lacks concentration and is playing more on their own than with other children, then these might be indications that they have glue ear. Often, a child with undiagnosed glue ear will be labelled as badly behaved, stubborn or simply rude.

What Causes Glue Ear?

When ears function as they should, the middle ear is full of air. This air can then travel freely through the eustachian tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. A child’s eustachian tube is not fully developed, and therefore not as wide or vertical as an adult’s. Due to this, the tube sometimes gets blocked, meaning air cannot enter the middle ear. In response, the middle ear’s cell lining starts producing fluid, which starts off runny, and tends to get thicker as it fills the middle ear.

How Could Glue Ear Impact My Child’s Hearing?

You can see why fluid makes it harder for sound to pass through the inner ear. Sounds and converstion might appear quieter, or as if they’re happening under water. For a child, who might not be able to fully express what’s happening for them, this can cause all sorts of frustrations, and might even cause them to withdraw from playing with friends. 

Can a common cold trigger glue ear in children?

There are a range of things that can increase the likelihood of your child getting glue ear, including colds and flu, and environmental factors such as dust and pollution. Even genetic conditions such as Down’s syndrome – which can cause the eustachian tube to function differently – can mean a child is more predisposed to glue ear.

How Can My Child’s Glue Ear be Diagnosed and Treated?                            

If you suspect that your child has glue ear, it’s important to visit your pediatrician or GP, so they can examine your child’s ears thoroughly. Often glue ear that accompanies a heavy cold will clear up when the cold subsides; however, if pain is persistent and an ear infection is present, then they might prescribe your child antibiotics. Whatever the plan of action, your doctor will be able to give you advice on how to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible.

What if glue ear comes back?  

At our clinic we have pediatric ENT specialists with expertise and experience in managing glue ear.

They will carry out a test to confirm if the eardrum has trouble functioning, due to a build-up of fluid and might also refer your child for a hearing test within our clinic, to address any temporary hearing loss that has been caused by the glue ear.

At our clinic we make sure that any appropriate follow up appointments are scheduled in, so that you can have peace of mind that existing issues are being monitored, and that any future issues can be addressed at the earliest opportunity.

When might my child need to wear grommets?   

Grommets – inserted during a simple procedure during general anaesthetic – can be an effective way to avoid glue ear from recurring. Once excess fluid is removed from the middle ear, grommets allow the air to flow more freely in the middle ear, and therefore give time for the eardrum to heal. Your doctor will be able to discuss whether grommets might be worth considering as part of your child’s treatment plan.

When might a child need hearing aids?

If your child’s hearing is impacted for long periods of time due to glue ear or other conditions, this can affect their relationships, behaviour and their speech and language development, among other things.

Hearing aids can really help your child to hear more clearly. However, it’s important to speak with a consultant audiologist to fully explore the options available, and what might be most suitable for your child’s lifestyle and their type of hearing loss.

Visiting Our London Children’s Clinic   

If you have concerns about glue ear or hearing loss, our specialist team can help. We also see babies and children from aged six months for hearing tests and hearing assessments. To make an appointment please call (020) 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.