Glue Ear in Children – Symptoms, Treatment and When to See an ENT Specialist
Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is one of the most common reasons children are referred to an ENT specialist. It occurs when sticky fluid collects behind the eardrum, reducing hearing and sometimes affecting speech, behaviour and learning.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and Medicana Winchester, we assess and treat glue ear for families across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury. Early identification and treatment can make a big difference to a child’s development.
👂 What Is Glue Ear?
Glue ear happens when fluid builds up in the middle ear space.
This space should normally be filled with air, allowing the eardrum and tiny hearing bones to move freely.
When fluid becomes thick or sticky, it reduces movement and causes temporary hearing loss.
Glue ear is especially common in children aged 2–7 due to:
Smaller, less developed Eustachian tubes
Frequent colds
Enlarged adenoids
Allergies or chronic nasal blockage
Most children will experience at least one episode.
📌 Common Symptoms of Glue Ear
Children with glue ear may show:
Reduced hearing
Asking for repetition or turning the TV up
Speech delay or unclear speech
Daydreaming or poor concentration
Behaviour changes
Balance issues
Mild ear discomfort
Frequent colds or nasal congestion
Hearing levels fluctuate, so symptoms may be worse on some days than others.
🔍 How Glue Ear Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis is simple and child-friendly, involving:
ENT examination
Otoscopy to view the eardrum
Tympanometry, which gently measures middle ear pressure
Paediatric hearing test (audiogram)
These assessments are offered at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at QA Hospital, and Medicana Winchester.
🩺 Does Glue Ear Go Away on Its Own?
In many cases, yes.
About 50–60% of children improve within 3 months, especially if the glue ear is linked to a cold or winter infections.
Your ENT specialist may recommend:
Watchful waiting
Treating allergies or nasal congestion
Hearing tests at intervals
However, if hearing loss persists, affects development, or leads to significant symptoms, treatment is recommended.
🛠️ Treatment Options for Glue Ear
1. Grommet Insertion (Ventilation Tubes)
The most effective treatment for persistent glue ear.
A tiny tube is inserted into the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear.
Benefits include:
Immediate improvement in hearing
Reduced ear infections
Better speech and learning
Better behaviour and listening skills
It is a short day-case procedure under general anaesthetic, commonly performed in children.
2. Adenoidectomy (When Helpful)
If enlarged adenoids contribute to glue ear or nasal blockage, removing them can reduce fluid build-up and improve long-term results.
This is often combined with grommet insertion.
3. Hearing Support
Temporary hearing aids may be helpful in selected cases — especially for children who are not yet suitable for surgery.
🌟 How Treatment Helps
Parents often report that after grommet insertion, their child:
Hears clearly again
Speaks more confidently
Follows instructions better
Is less frustrated
Shows improved attention and engagement at school
Many families notice immediate positive changes.
🏥 Why Families Choose Hampshire ENT, The Harbour Suite at QA Hospital & Medicana Winchester
Consultant-led paediatric ENT care
Experience in grommet surgery and adenoidectomy
Local, accessible care in Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester & Salisbury
Modern paediatric facilities
Clear communication and family-focused support
👉 If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, speech or behaviour, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics or Medicana Winchester for a glue ear assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)
What is glue ear?
Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion, occurs when fluid collects behind the eardrum in the middle ear. This fluid dampens sound transmission and leads to temporary hearing loss.
Is glue ear an infection?
No. Glue ear is not an active infection. It is caused by poor ventilation of the middle ear, often following colds or upper respiratory infections.
How common is glue ear in children?
Very common. Most children will experience at least one episode, particularly between the ages of 2 and 7 years.
What causes glue ear?
Contributing factors include:
Immature Eustachian tube function
Frequent colds
Enlarged adenoids
Allergies
Chronic nasal congestion
These factors make it harder for air to enter the middle ear, allowing fluid to accumulate.
How does glue ear affect hearing?
Glue ear typically causes a mild to moderate conductive hearing loss, similar to listening with earplugs in. Hearing levels often fluctuate from day to day.
Can glue ear affect speech and learning?
Yes. Persistent hearing loss during key developmental stages can affect:
Speech clarity
Language development
Attention and behaviour
School performance
This is why monitoring and timely treatment are important.
How is glue ear diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
Examination of the eardrum
Tympanometry to assess middle ear pressure
A child-friendly hearing test
These tests are painless and well tolerated by children.
Does glue ear go away on its own?
Often, yes. Around 50–60% of cases resolve within 3 months. Many children improve with time, especially after winter infections settle.
When is treatment recommended?
Treatment is considered if:
Glue ear persists for several months
Hearing loss affects speech, learning or behaviour
Both ears are affected
There are additional needs (e.g. speech delay, developmental concerns)
What are grommets?
Grommets (ventilation tubes) are tiny tubes placed in the eardrum to allow air into the middle ear and prevent fluid build-up. They usually provide immediate hearing improvement.
Is grommet surgery safe?
Yes. Grommet insertion is one of the most common paediatric ENT procedures. It is a short day-case operation under general anaesthetic with a very good safety record.
How long do grommets last?
Most grommets stay in place for 6–12 months and then fall out naturally as the eardrum heals.
When is adenoid removal recommended?
Adenoidectomy may be advised if enlarged adenoids contribute to glue ear, nasal blockage or snoring. It is often combined with grommet insertion in selected children.
Are hearing aids ever used instead of surgery?
Yes. Temporary hearing aids may be helpful in some children, particularly if surgery is not suitable or if glue ear is expected to resolve.
Where can my child be assessed and treated?
Specialist paediatric ENT assessment and treatment are available at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and Medicana Winchester, caring for families from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, and across Hampshire.
When should I seek an ENT opinion?
You should consider referral if you are concerned about your child’s hearing, speech development, behaviour, school progress, or if glue ear has persisted for several months.