Glue Ear: Understanding and Managing
Otitis Media with Effusion

At Clear Ear Cheer, we’re dedicated to helping you and your loved ones maintain healthy ears.
Glue ear, medically known as otitis media with effusion (OME), is a condition where fluid builds up in the middle ear, often affecting young children but occasionally adults too. Here’s everything you need to know about glue ear, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options to keep ears clear and cheerful.

What Is Glue Ear?
Glue ear occurs when thick, sticky fluid collects in the middle ear—the space behind the eardrum. This often happens after a middle ear infection (otitis media) and can cause temporary hearing difficulties. While it’s more common in children due to their smaller ear structures, adults can experience it too. Understanding glue ear is the first step to ensuring timely care and support.

Signs of Glue Ear
The most noticeable symptom of glue ear is temporary hearing loss in one or both ears. Other signs include:

• Earache or discomfort

• Tinnitus (hearing sounds like ringing or buzzing)

In children, glue ear can affect behaviour and communication. Look out for:

• Speaking more loudly or quietly than usual

• Asking people to repeat themselves

• Turning up the TV or music volume

• Seeming tired, irritable, or struggling to focus due to difficulty hearing

If you or your child show these signs, consult your GP to confirm whether glue ear is the cause.

What Causes Glue Ear?
Glue ear develops when sticky fluid builds up behind the eardrum and fails to drain through the Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. This can happen after a cold, flu, or middle ear infection, as inflammation or blockages prevent normal drainage. In children, the smaller size of the Eustachian tube makes them more prone to this issue.

How Is Glue Ear Treated?
The good news is that glue ear often resolves on its own, especially in children.

Here’s what to expect:

• Monitoring: In most cases, glue ear clears naturally within 3 months. Your GP may recommend regular check-ups to track progress.

• Surgical Option: If symptoms persist, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may suggest inserting tiny ventilation tubes called grommets into the eardrum. These allow air into the middle ear, helping fluid drain and restoring hearing. Grommets are temporary and typically fall out on their own.

• Hearing Aids: If surgery isn’t suitable—due to other health conditions or recurring glue ear—hearing aids may be recommended to support hearing.

For adults, glue ear is less common, and your GP may refer you to an ENT specialist to investigate underlying causes and recommend tailored treatment.

Supporting Residents with Glue Ear in Care Homes
For care home residents, glue ear can worsen feelings of isolation, especially for those with existing hearing loss or dementia.
Our Clear Ear Cheer mobile services can help by providing ear health checks and coordinating with GPs or ENT specialists to ensure seamless care. Regular ear care can improve residents’ quality of life, keeping them engaged and connected.

Our Commitment
At Clear Ear Cheer, we’re passionate about making ear care accessible and positive for everyone, from young children to care home residents. We’re also campaigning for better access to ear health services across the UK, especially in areas like Mid & South Essex and Suffolk & North East Essex, where NHS support may be limited. If you’re concerned about glue ear, visit your GP or explore more on the NHS website or ENTUK for expert advice.

Let’s work together to keep ears clear and spirits cheerful!

Contact Us to learn how our mobile ear care services can support your family or care home residents.