Introduction:

This pamphlet called Glue Ear is put out by the Department of Health. It explains what glue ear is, how to recognise symptoms, and what can be done to help a child suffering from glue ear.

Text:

What is glue ear?

Glue ear is a condition where the middle ear fills up with a glue–like fluid.

Glue ear is caused by a blockage of the eustachian tubes. These tubes drain fluid down from the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat and allow air into the middle ear. When the tubes are blocked, a build up of glue–like liquid in the middle ear may occur. The eardrum can no longer vibrate properly and hearing is affected (see Fig 2)

Blockage of the eustachian tubes may be caused by blocked noses, colds, enlarged adenoids, allergies or irritation of nasal passages.

To allow air back into the middle ear, the fluid may have to be drawn out and ventilation tubes – called grommets – inserted into the eardrum. Once the air returns to the middle ear, hearing usually returns to normal. (see Fig 3)

Hearing loss in young children can seriously affect their speech, their play, their development and their progress at school.

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