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.
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
Some children show no obvious symptoms at all—glue ear is often discovered during routine hearing checks or when speech delay is noted.
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