Glue Ear: Guide

Areas for further research

A Swedish study trialled a new inflation device that could be used with younger children (Bidarian-Moniri et al. 2014).  The teddy inflation device consisted of a mask covering the mouth and nose and a separate pump.  It was found to improve middle ear pressure and hearing thresholds after four weeks of treatment.  A moniri otovent has been developed for the use with children from the age of two years.

Research into the use of a cancer drug which may help to clear Glue Ear is taking place.  It has been suggested that Glue Ear is linked to a lack of oxygen in the middle ear.   Hypoxia is a condition that occurs when the insufficient oxygen reaches body tissue.  Research suggests that using drugs which treat hypoxia could reduce middle ear fluid.  This news article outlines the findings.