How serious is Glue Ear and how do you ease the symptoms? Raisingkids.co.uk's medical expert, Dr Malcolm McKenzie, advises about this common condition.

Raisingkids member's problem
My 7 yr-old has been inattentive at school and complaining of having a 'bunged-up ear'. My GP thinks he may have Glue Ear. I'd like to know what Glue Ear is, how it is treated and whether there'll be any lasting ill-effects?

Dr McKenzie's advice
Put very simply, Glue Ear is an infection of the middle ear that happens when the tube connecting the middle ear to the throat gets blocked, meaning that the pressure inside the ear can't be regulated. The blockage can be caused by infection, allergies or enlarged adenoids, and a sticky substance builds up inside the middle ear, causing the ears to feel 'bunged up'.

Glue Ear is, in fact, very common in children as they are less able to fight off infections that can cause the condition, and it is known that children with allergies or hayfever are more prone to such infections. By making sure that colds, flu and allergies are correctly treated, the risk of Glue Ear occurring or recurring can be reduced.

As for treatment, Glue Ear can clear up by itself, so your GP may not prescribe and medication is he or she thinks that is the best course of action. Treatment with antibiotics to clear up the infection is also a possibility. If there is hearing loss, your doctor might suggest a myringotomy. This is a straightforward procedure performed under general anaesthetic that a small hole being made in the eardrum to let the fluid that has collected to drain. The hole generally heals within a week of the infection clearing, and hearing is usually restored if this method is chosen.

Alternatively, your GP may suggest an operation to insert a grommet in the ear, which is a small tube which allows the to drain continuously. Grommets usually fall out within eight months to a year, and the hole made by it will heal in another eight or nine months. Some GPs, however, dislike using grommets as risks can include scarring or damage to the middle ear and eardrum, and, in worst cases, possible permanent deafness.

Glue Ear is not serious if treated properly and promptly. However, if your child is suffering from any hearing loss, you should always consult your GP as soon as possible.