Glue ear occurs most commonly in children who have allergies, colds or an infection that causes the fluid from the surrounding tissues, this fills the middle ear cavity.
This fluid becomes thick and sticky and prevents the three small bones from doing their work. This is called a ‘glue ear’. Glue ear can also occur in adults.
Treatment for glue ear
When the allergy or infection has been treated, the fluid drains so the tube can start to work again. Therefore, after a few weeks the glue may drain away and hearing could return to normal.
If there is no improvement in your child’s hearing or your child’s speech development doesn’t improve. The specialist may recommend an operation. However, this is a very short operation.
The surgeon will look into the ear canal using a microscope and will make a tiny hole in the ear drum (a myringotomy).
We will remove any ‘glue’ with a little suction instrument. We will insert a tiny plastic tube (a grommet) into the opening in the ear.
The grommet has a hole in the centre which allows the air in the middle ear to return and stops any more build-up of fluid. The grommet stays in the ear drum, doing its work for 6-12 months and then falls out.
How long will the operation take?
The operation will take about 10 – 15 minutes and then your child will be looked after in the recovery room next to the theatre until awake.
Contacts us
Tel: 0191 284 3111
