Glue Ear – or Otitis Media with Effusion – is a common condition affecting around 80% of children before the age of 10. Early recognition is important. It can help protect your child’s speech development, school performance, and behaviour.
Glue Ear happens when thick fluid collects in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. Unlike an ear infection, it doesn’t usually cause pain or a fever – which makes it easy to miss.
But the impact on hearing can be significant. And when a child can’t hear clearly, it may affect their language skills, learning, and even social confidence.
Children aged 2 to 6 are most at risk – especially after colds or ear infections.
They may not even realise there’s a problem. So how can you tell?
Here are six common signs:
- Speaking more loudly than usual
- Being harder to understand
- Turning up the TV or music
- Struggling to hear you from across the room
- Becoming more easily distracted
- Complaining of blocked ears – or tugging at them
In many cases, Glue Ear clears up on its own. But if symptoms last for more than six to eight weeks, it’s time to get it checked. Left untreated, it can begin to affect your child’s progress at school and day-to-day interactions.
What can you do?
An Audiologist can test your child’s hearing and assess the extent of any fluid buildup. In mild cases, gentle home treatments may help, like encouraging your child to blow their nose or 'pop' their ears.
You can also try Otovent – a simple balloon-blowing device available over the counter that may help clear the fluid.
If symptoms persist, an ENT specialist may recommend inserting small ventilation tubes known as grommets. These keep the middle ear clear and usually fall out naturally after 6–18 months.
---
Early diagnosis makes all the difference. If your child has regular ear infections or delayed speech, don’t wait. Book a hearing check.
Click Hearing is one of the few private audiology practices in the UK accredited by the CQC. We work closely with ENT consultants across Mid and South Essex.
