Medical Conditions ExplainedMedical Conditions Explained, Reviewed, and Debated

Glue ear is a common condition where glue-like fluid collects in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. It is the most common reason of partial deafness in children. Approximately 1 out of 4 children get affected by glue ear at some stage of their childhood. Boys are at higher risk of this disease, being the most affected between ages two to five. Even so, there are still risks it can occur at later stages, including adulthood.

Unfortunately, glue ear is sometimes overlooked. There are a few warning signs however, such as temporary hearing loss and a stuffy feeling in the ears.

Glue ear is a very common disease. One occurrence predicts another. It has been known that children who have had one experience having glue ear are more likely to have recurrent episodes.

Certain other risk factors that contribute to glue ear are:

- constant inhalation of nicotine smoke

- having recurrent cough and cold

- glue ears is common in the family; and

- as a baby, the child was bottle fed rather than breast fed

The most common symptom of glue ear is having dulled hearing. Sometimes, children who are affected might end up completely deaf. Hearing loss may vary from mild to severe. If it continues, it will affect the child’s normal intellectual development.

Pain is a very uncommon symptom, but mild earache may happen sometimes. Affected children may pull at their ears if they experience pain.

Children who have glue ear have a propensity to show behavioral problems and slower speech development. These are commonly caused by the fact that their hearing is impaired.

Luckily, glue ear can be treated. In fact, most glue ears will heal on their own. However, if glue ear persists, surgery may be needed to eliminate the glue-like fluid from the middle ear and to place a ventilation tube or “grommet” in the ear drum. It sits across the eardrum, connecting the outer and middle ears, thus allowing pressure in the middle ear to become normal or be equal with the atmosphere.

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