Private glue ear clinic in London, same-day ENT.

What you may notice

• Turning the television up, or sitting very close to it
• Not responding when called, particularly from another room or in noise
• Talking loudly, or mishearing and answering the wrong question
• Becoming withdrawn, frustrated or disruptive — commonly interpreted as behaviour
• Delayed or unclear speech, or a plateau in language development
• poor balance and clumsiness, and struggling at nursery or school
• usually no pain at all, which is why it goes unnoticed for months

Why it happens

The Eustachian tube ventilates the middle ear. In young children it is short, narrow and more horizontal, so it blocks easily — particularly after colds and ear infections. Fluid accumulates and thickens. It is commoner in winter, in children in nursery, with large adenoids, with allergy, and in households where someone smokes. Most cases resolve on their own within three months.

Helping at home and school

Treatment if it persists

• Grommets — tiny ventilation tubes inserted through the eardrum in a short day-case procedure. Hearing improves immediately. They fall out naturally after six to twelve months as the eardrum heals.
• After grommets, most children can swim normally; earplugs are only needed for diving or very deep water. Ask for specific advice.
• Adenoid removal may be added, particularly with nasal obstruction or recurrent problems.
• Hearing aids are an effective alternative for families who prefer to avoid surgery, or where surgery is unsuitable.
• Autoinflation — blowing up a special balloon through the nose — has modest evidence and is worth trying in children over about four during the watchful waiting period.
• Children with Down's syndrome or cleft palate are managed differently and need specialist input from the outset.