MESHGuides

Pressure in the middle ear is regulated by the Eustachian tube, a narrow tube which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat.  When we swallow the Eustachian tubes open to allow fresh air to enter into the middle ear.  Fluid in the middle ear can occur with Eustachian tube dysfunction.  The fluid build up is called an effusion and it is much more likely to occur in children due to the anatomy of their Eustachian tube.

Families benefit from finding out about other children’s experiences of Glue Ear. Hearing from other parents about the impact that glue ear has had on their child’s behaviour for example, can be reassuring that they are not alone.

It is hoped that it may be possible to add different experiences of Glue Ear in this section.

You could consider sharing the following information:

1.      What made you concerned about your child and hearing problems?

2.      Who did you ask for help and advice?

3.      What happened next?

Awareness that a child has a hearing loss due to Glue Ear is vitally important in the first instance.  Steps can then be taken to provide support, which will minimise the impact of a hearing loss.

Glue Ear adversely impacts the movement of the eardrum and the ossicles reducing how effectively sound is conducted to the inner ear.  Fluid in the ear can result in decreased hearing.

This picture of the eardrum shows the presence of middle ear fluid (Otitis Media with Effusion).

A GP might be able to see fluid present from a visual inspection of the eardrum using an otoscope.  This handheld device has a magnifying glass and light. If the eardrum is not obscured by wax, it is possible to see if there are signs of infection or fluid in the middle ear.

Glue Ear is a build up of fluid in the middle ear, an air filled cavity between the eardrum and the inner ear. The medical term for the condition is Otitis Media with Effusion. When the fluid is accompanied by an ear infection it is called Acute Otitis Media.

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It is hoped that parents of children with Glue Ear with share their experiences to help others. Information about the impact of Glue ear and examples of interventions, which have been beneficial, will be added to this section.

Facts and figures have been provided which may be of interest to parents and useful for Teacher of the Deaf for training purposes.

Many fact sheets and information booklets have been produced to promote an understanding of Glue Ear and links to some of these are included in this section.

Some children will have middle ear fluid (Otitis Media with Effusion) without a hearing loss. If this is the case, no treatment will be necessary.

In most cases Glue Ear will clear on its own.  For some children, however Glue Ear can be persistent and can lead to delayed speech and affect a child’s behaviour.  This column describes ways to help and the various treatments and interventions that are available.

This column considers the impact of Glue Ear.