Glue Ear

The symptoms of glue ear in adults are:

• hearing loss with muffled sounds

• a feeling of fullness in your ear

• pain in your ear

• ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)

• popping or crackling sounds or sensations – maybe more when you swallow

The exact cause of glue ear is often unknown. There’s no clear evidence to suggest that glue ear is hereditary. Some people may be more likely to develop it due to genetic factors or underlying health conditions.

It is often linked with:

1. Upper respiratory infections. Colds, flu, and other infections can lead to inflammation and blockage of the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. This can prevent fluid from draining properly.

2. Allergies. Allergies can contribute to inflammation and congestion in the Eustachian tubes.

3. Adenoids. Enlarged adenoids, located at the back of the throat, can block the Eustachian tubes.

4. Smoking. Exposure to second-hand smoke can irritate the Eustachian tubes.

5. Air pressure increases. This can happen if you fly, go to high altitude or scuba dive

6. Genetic conditions like cleft palate or Down’s syndrome.

Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when gastric juices in the throat can move into the middle ear

Diagnosing glue ear usually involves an initial consultation where our ear, nose and throat specialist will: 

1. Take a medical history to understand your health.

2. Get a full understanding of your symptoms and how they affect you – for example, what are they, what makes them worse or better, and how they affect your daily life, such as sleeping and working.

3. Examine your ears.

4. Do some tests to assess hearing and eardrum function.

5. Review any previous notes or test results.

6. Talk through their initial findings and what will happen next.

There are some things you can do that may help reduce the risk of glue ear, including:

• quit smoking – for yourself or around your children

• manage allergies well to reduce symptoms such as excess mucus and inflammation

• manage GERD effectively to reduce the risk of gastric juices moving into the ear

• eat well, get good sleep and regular exercise to help keep your immune system in good shape and reduce the risk of severe or lingering upper respiratory tract infections

• stay up to date with vaccinations

• practice good hygiene

• wear earplugs for swimming to reduce the risk of an ear infection called swimmer’s ear – when water gets trapped and creates a breeding ground for bacteria

If glue ear continues without treatment, it can affect hearing long-term.

Our consultants will work with you to tailor your treatment plan to your symptoms and health history. The treatment for glue ear may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. Options may include:

Observation: In mild cases, the condition may resolve on its own with time.

Nasal decongestants: Over-the-counter nasal decongestants can help to open the Eustachian tubes.

Eustachian tube dilation: This procedure involves gently inflating the Eustachian tubes to help drain fluid.

Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Adenoidectomy: If enlarged adenoids are contributing to glue ear, surgery to remove them may be recommended.

Bone conduction device: A bone conduction device (BCD) is a type of hearing aid that transmits sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the bones of the skull. This is different from traditional hearing aids, which use speakers to transmit sound through the air to the outer ear.

Grommet insertion: In persistent cases, a temporary grommet (small tube) may be surgically inserted into the eardrum to allow fluid to drain.

At Welbeck, our ear, nose and throat specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.