Glue Ear
What is Glue Ear?
Understanding middle ear fluid and how it affects your child’s hearing
Glue ear (also known as otitis media with effusion) is a common condition in children where thick, sticky fluid collects behind the eardrum in the middle ear.
Despite the name, there’s no infection or pain - just a build-up of fluid that can affect hearing and speech development.
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Common signs of Glue Ear
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Muffled or reduced hearing
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Difficulty concentrating or delayed speech
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Speaking loudly or turning up the volume on devices
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Saying “what?” frequently or seeming inattentive
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Balance issues or clumsiness
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Some children show no obvious symptoms at all—glue ear is often discovered during routine hearing checks or when speech delay is noted.
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How is it diagnosed?
Dr McCaffer will:
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Take a detailed history from you
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Examine your child’s ears using an otoscope
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Perform a simple, painless test called tympanometry to measure middle ear pressure
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Arrange a formal hearing test with an audiologist if needed
Treatment options
Most cases of glue ear get better on their own within a few months. However, if it persists and begins to affect hearing, speech, or learning, treatment may be recommended:​
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Watchful waiting: For mild or recent cases, we may monitor your child for 2–3 months and reassess.​
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Hearing aids: Used in some cases as a temporary measure for children not suitable for surgery.
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​Grommet insertion (Ventilation tubes): The most common and effective treatment when glue ear is long-standing and causing hearing issues.
What causes Glue Ear?
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Eustachian tube dysfunction: the small tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose may not drain fluid properly (common in young children).
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Recent colds or upper respiratory infections
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Allergies or enlarged adenoids
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Passive smoking or frequent daycare exposure