ENT specialist for glue Ear

The space behind the middle air is usually filled with air, but sometimes thick fluid can build up there. This is because the Eustachian tube, running from the nose to the ear, may have become infected and clogged, typically from an ear infection or a severe allergy. 

This tube is crucial in maintaining a healthy space in the middle ear – free of excess fluids, which in turn enables our hearing to function normally. The Eustachian tube is narrower in children, making them more prone to developing glue ear.

The most common symptom of glue ear is temporary hearing loss. The presence of fluid (rather than air) makes it hard for sound to pass into the inner ear. Sounds and conversation can appear quieter to your child or as if they’re taking place under water. 

Other symptoms of glue ear include: 

• A feeling of ‘fullness’ inside the ear
• Popping in the ear
• Mild earache
• Tinnitus 
• Balance problems

In children, the hearing loss associated with glue ear can, understandably, lead to frustration, especially if they are too young to express themselves. They might start playing by themselves or display challenging or stubborn behaviour. 

Hearing loss can easily be missed in very young children and babies, so it’s useful to watch out for the following signs: 

• Not responding when you interact with them
• Speaking loudly
• Asking people to repeat what they say
• Turning the TV up too loudly
• Finding it hard to concentrate
• Rudeness, behaviour issues 
• Playing alone

If glue ear and hearing loss continue, they can affect a child’s speech development and learning at nursery or school, so an ENT specialist for glue ear can help if you notice any of these signs. 

If you’re at all worried about glue ear, it’s essential to get your child examined by your GP or an ENT specialist. They will be able to monitor the condition, and prescribe antibiotics if the glue ear is a result of an ear infection. 

If the condition doesn’t clear up, your child may be referred for a hearing test or to a paediatric ENT specialist

The paediatric ENT specialists at our clinic are highly skilled at managing and treating glue ear. They can carefully monitor your child for up to a year, and wait for symptoms to improve by themselves. 

A simple non-invasive treatment called autoinflation may be used in the meantime for children over three years old, to help fluid in the ear to drain. Antibiotics may also be prescribed for any ongoing infections.

In some cases, where the glue ear has not resolved itself, or keeps recurring, routine surgery is carried out to insert tiny tubes into the ear, known as grommets. These drain away the fluid and keep the eardrums clear, and fall out naturally after 6-12 months, as your child’s ear gets better. 

It’s helpful to know that this is a straightforward procedure and can be a highly effective way to prevent further issues.