Glue Ear

Glue is the commonest cause of acquired conductive hearing loss in children.  It occurs when the normal ventilation of the middle ear is disturbed, the fluid naturally found behind the eardrum is unable to drain away and bacterial or viral infections are able to develop.  The most common age group is 3-6years old.  The problem is often associated with upper respiratory tract infections so it is more prevalent from January to March.  Treatment - initially expectorant, possibly steroid spray.

Myringotomy (aspiration of the fluid) and insertion of a grommet immediately restores hearing and aids ventilation to the middle ear.