Understanding Glue Ear – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Glue ear (also known as otitis media with effusion, or OME) is a common condition in which the middle ear fills with thick, sticky fluid, resulting in loss of hearing and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Glue ear is primarily a childhood disease, but it can also be found in adults, albeit commonly missed or misdiagnosed. The condition may affect quality of life, including hearing loss, communication problems, and social withdrawal if left untreated. Identifying the symptoms early and when to seek treatment is important. This is a blog which provides you with information about glue ear symptoms, treatments in children and adults in the UK.
What is Glue Ear?
Glue ear is when fluid builds up in the middle ear, behind the eardrum, and becomes thick and sticky, like glue — hence the name. Unlike an acute ear infection, glue ear isn’t usually painful and there’s no fever. The Eustachian tube, from the middle ear to the back of the nose, is necessary to drain that fluid and maintain even pressure. Fluid can accumulate if the tube is blocked or inflamed.
Although glue ear occurs frequently in little ones (because their Eustachian tubes are narrower than adults’), it can happen to grown-ups too — they just don’t get diagnosed as often. Glue ear in adults may be a sign of sinus problems or chronic Eustachian tube blockage.
Glue Ear Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of glue ear may differ between children and adults, but typically include problems with hearing and pressure.
In both children and adults:
- Muffled or reduced hearing.
- Some discharge from the ear’s ear canal.
- Mild to moderate discomfort (not severe or sharp pain).
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear).
- Occasional balance problems.
Additional signs of glue ear in adults may include:
- Difficulty listening to, or following, conversations – particularly in noisy places.
- Having to adjust the volume on the television or radio.
- You always feel like you have blocked ears, especially after a cold.
Not necessarily painful, these symptoms can affect daily life and talking, particularly as they become more chronic.
Causes of Glue Ear
In cases of glue ear, the middle ear does not have good drainage, and this is frequently secondary to a Eustachian tube problem. Common causes include:
- Blockage of the Eustachian tube: Swelling or a malfunction prevents fluid from draining.
- Colds and respiratory infections: Heighten mucus and inflammation.
- An earlier ear infection: In children especially, this can lead to the presence of fluid in the ear.
- Allergies or sinus infections: Those can also cause congestion and middle ear fluid.
- Tobacco smoke: It increases the chance of the disease developing, through passive smoking in children and also smoking in adults.
- Nasal polyps or chronic sinusitis: In particular in adults, these may block the nose and impact the ear function.
It is beneficial to find the source so that you may treat it accordingly, particularly in adults where glue ear can actually signify a wider ENT condition.
How is Glue Ear Diagnosed?
Glue ear is diagnosed using physical examinations and hearing tests. Key steps include:
- Otoscope examination: A GP or ENT specialist looks at the eardrum through a lighted instrument to see if there is evidence of fluid.
- Tympanometry: This brief test checks the pressure of the air in the middle ear to find any abnormalities.
- Hearing testing: If loss of hearing is suspected, an audiologist may conduct an in-depth examination.
Adults with persistent symptoms should be referred to ENT to exclude other causes and assess for treatment options.
Glue Ear Treatment Options
Most cases of glue ear get better without any treatment, but if symptoms are very persistent or severe, they’re likely to need treatment.
Medical Treatments
- Watchful waiting: In children, glue ear will often clear up without treatment within 3 months.
- Grommets (ventilation tubes): A small tube is placed in the eardrum under either local or general anaesthetic to drain fluid and allow hearing to return.
- Hearing aids: If surgery is not an option, particularly in adults, hearing aids may treat hearing loss.
- Autoinflation devices: Devices such as the Otovent balloon can help to open the Eustachian tube by gently increasing accumulated air pressure in the nasal passages.
How to Treat Glue Ear in Adults
- Nasal steroid sprays: Great for congestion from allergies.
- Decongestants: Provide brief relief from sinus congestion.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed only when there’s an obvious infection along with glue ear.
Home Remedies for Adults
- Warm compresses: May alleviate mild ear pressure.
- Chew gum or yawn: Makes your Eustachian tube open normally.
- The use of nasal saline rinses: They help to decrease the swelling and stuffiness.
- Stop smoking: This is important to reduce irritation and inflammation in the nose and ear passages.
Medicinal and other lifestyle changes often work best for adults affected by glue ear.
Is There a Permanent Cure for Glue Ear?
The majority of glue ear cases, especially in children, naturally clear up after a few months. But glue ear which is long-lasting or keeps coming back may need treatment. Grommets ease symptoms, but the effect is not long-term, and grommets may need to be re-inserted if symptoms return. In adults, the key to long-term relief is identifying and treating the underlying cause such as allergies, sinusitis, or nasal polyps. Diagnosing and treating the condition early is key to avoid possible complications, including permanent hearing loss or delays in speech, in children.
Conclusion
Glue ear – an unpleasant and troublesome condition, which exists in both children and adults. Did you know? Identifying glue ear symptoms including difficulties with your hearing, fullness in your ear, or muffled sound is just the first stage to getting a treatment plan in place. Most cases go away on their own, but never ignore persistent ones.
If you or your child are suffering symptoms of glue ear, seek the opinion of an ENT doctor for a precise examination and appropriate management.
