Glue ear is a common condition where glue-like fluid collects in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. It is the most common cause of partial deafness in children. About one out of four children get affected by glue ear at one point of their childhood. It is more common in boys, being the most affected between ages two to five. However, there are still risks it can occur at later stages, including adulthood.

Glue ear, unfortunately, is sometimes overlooked. There are some signals though, such as temporary hearing loss and a stuffy feeling in the ears.

Glue ear is very common though. One occurrence predicts another. It has been known that children who have had one episode of glue ear are more likely to have recurrent episodes.

Other risk factors that may contribute to higher risk of glue ear include:

- constant exposure to nicotine smoke

- often having cough & cold

- glue ears is common in the family; and

- as a baby, he or she was bottle fed rather than breast fed

The most common symptom of glue ear is having dulled hearing. Sometimes, children who are affected might end up deaf completely. Hearing loss can vary from mild to severe. If it persists, it will affect the child’s normal intellectual development.

Pain is a very uncommon symptom, but mild earache may happen from time to time. Some affected children might pull at their ears if they have pain.

Children who have glue ear tend to show slower speech development and even behavioral problems. These are commonly caused by the fact that their hearing is impaired.

Fortunately, glue ear can be treated. Also, most glue ears will heal on their own. However, if glue ear persists, surgery may be required to remove the glue-like fluid from the middle ear and to place a ‘grommet’ (ventilation tube) in the ear drum. It sits across the eardrum, connecting the middle and outer ears, hence allowing pressure in the middle ear to normalize or equalize with the atmosphere.

ENT specialist Singapore – Find treatment for your allergy today! Also published at A Few Facts About Glue Ear.

Tagged with: Allergy • Cough • ENT • ENT Specialist • Hearing Loss • Sinus • sinusitis • sleep apnea • snoring

Filed under: Hearing Loss Articles and Information

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