Articles (7)
Synonyms
Glue ear is a common childhood condition where the middle ear becomes filled with fluid. The medical term for glue ear is otitis media with effusion (OME) .
Articles for Otitis media with effusion (OME)
Causes of glue ear
The exact cause of glue ear is unknown, but it seems to be caused by a problem with the Eustachian tube - a narrow tube that runs from your middle ear to the back of your throat.
Complications of glue ear
Read about the complications of glue ear, including delayed speech and language development, ear infection, thickening of the eardrum and a perforated eardrum.
Diagnosing glue ear
A diagnosis of glue ear can usually be confirmed by using an instrument called an otoscope, which is used to study the inside of the ear and can detect signs that usually indicate fluid inside the middle ear.
Introduction
Find out what glue ear is, what causes it, how it's treated and the possible complications.
Preventing glue ear
It's not possible to prevent glue ear, but you can reduce your child's risk by breastfeeding rather than bottle feeding, and making sure your home is smoke-free.
Symptoms of glue ear
The most common sign of glue ear is hearing loss, which can affect one or both ears.
Treating glue ear
Find out when treatment for glue ear is recommended and what treatment options are available. Hearing aids and grommets are the two main treatments for glue ear.
