Glue ear

Glue ear, otherwise known as a otitis media with effusion, is an inflammatory process where fluid fills the space behind your eardrum. It is extremely common in children, and probably occurs in most children at some time.

Glue ear in children only needs to be treated if it is causing significant hearing loss, affecting development of speech and language, or if it is leading to recurrent infection of the middle ear.

Glue ear also occurs in adults, usually after an upper respiratory tract infection. The treatment for glue ear may be to allow it to settle spontaneously, or to boost hearing with a hearing aid. We may consider removing the fluid by making a cut in the eardrum and placing a ventilation tube (grommet) in the ear drum.

Adults with glue ear on one side do need to be checked urgently to make sure there is not an obstruction of the eustation tube (tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose) as occasionally, the tube can be blocked by a tumour. This can be easily seen using an endoscope to examine the back of the nose.

Consultant ENT, Head & Neck, Thyroid Surgeon

Based in Exeter – practising at the Royal Devon University Hospital & Nuffield Health

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Book a consultation with Dr Joel Smith today and get expert treatment tailored to you.