More about glue ear

Middle ear disease, including infections, accounts for about one third of visits to the GP in the first 18 months of life; glue ear is the most common reason why children undergo surgery involving general anaesthetic.

Glue ear is a build up of a sticky fluid in the middle ear space, which, over time, can thicken, stopping the eardrum moving freely and so impairing a child's hearing.

About four in every five children have at least one mild bout of glue ear in early childhood and it often clears up without treatment.

Although it is extremely rare for the condition to cause lasting damage to the ear, glue ear can influence educational achievement, behaviour and general development, sometimes with longer-term effects lasting several years. It is therefore important that parents and teachers of children affected understand the condition and the steps they can take to minimise its impact.

The hearing loss caused by glue ear often makes children frustrated and tired. Symptoms vary with age, but an affected child may appear inattentive, have temper tantrums or become quiet and withdrawn because of his/her hearing difficulty. Many become unsettled at school if they cannot follow or participate in classroom discussions. Other signs can include clumsiness, taking longer to learn to walk, speak or understand language. A child may say 'what' or 'pardon' a lot.

Deafness Research UK is the UK's medical charity for deaf and hard of hearing people. As well as funding research into treatments and causes relating to glue ear, Deafness Research UK works to raise awareness of glue ear and its effects. Many parents don't know the signs to look out for, or need support and information while their child is waiting for treatment.

Treatments vary depending on resources and waiting lists. Many parents contact Deafness Research UK because they want more support or information. Usually, this offers them a degree of reassurance and makes them more confident about helping their child.

Deafness Research UK has a wide range of free information to help parents understand glue ear and other hearing problems, which can be obtained by contacting its Information Service on Freephone 0808 808 2222.

If you are a parent or caregiver and think your child might have glue ear, trust your judgement and visit your family doctor.

For more information, please contact:
Joanne Keane, Deafness Research UK Communications, phone 020 7837 8092, email joanne.keane@deafnessresearch.org.uk