How can I help my child with glue ear?

Try to spend some quiet time with your child. Use this time to talk and play with them. Make sure you speak close enough so that they can hear you. Not hearing well may be confusing for your child.

Will my child grow out of glue ear?

Most children will grow out of glue ear by 7 to 8 years of age, but a small number will continue with the condition through their teenage years.

How do doctors treat glue ear?

The 2 main treatments are temporary hearing aids or grommets (small tubes implanted in the ear). Occasionally, surgery may be recommended to remove some glands at the back of the nose (adenoids). This is known as an adenoidectomy. The specialist in hospital will help you decide on the best treatment option.

Can a pediatrician diagnose glue ear?

How is glue ear diagnosed? Glue ear is easily diagnosed. A doctor can look in the ear with an instrument called an otoscope. They can also test the hearing.

What happens if glue ear is not treated?

Possible complications of glue ear include ear infections and, where hearing loss is more severe, a minor temporary delay in speech and language development. If left untreated for a long period of time, glue ear can sometimes cause damage to the ear drum (tympanic membrane) requiring surgery.

Do antibiotics help glue ear?

Antibiotics are not often needed for middle ear infections, but outer ear infections are treated with antibiotic ear drops. Glue ear is caused by fluid that collects behind the eardrum, in the middle ear. It usually clears on its own with no treatment, but sometimes requires surgery to insert grommets for drainage.

How does glue ear affect a child’s development?

Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) can cause temporary deafness and a prolonged period of time with reduced hearing can affect children’s speech and language development, for example, parts of words may not be pronounced clearly. They may also fall behind at school if they don’t have extra support.

How does an ENT unclog ears?

The Valsalva maneuver can help relieve pressure that is blocking the Eustachian tube in the inner ear. During the maneuver, clogged ears can be unblocked by forcing air through the sinuses and Eustachian tube.

What is the Muncie technique?

Muncie Technique Muncie, DO, in the 1920’s to address eustachian tube dysfunction. The technique is performed as follows: “the osteopathic physician should insert a gloved right index finger into the patient’s mouth, placing the finger against the inferior part of the posterior pillar of the palatine tonsil.

Does nasal spray help eustachian tube?

Steroid nasal sprays are used in the hope of decreasing the peritubal edema on a long-term basis. These agents are most helpful in patients with allergic rhinitis. The results of one study suggest that intranasal steroid sprays alone do not help eustachian tube dysfunction.

Can a chiropractor open eustachian tube?

Chiropractic care adjustments work to dilate the muscles to drain backed-up fluid and in turn, this treatment relieves pressure and unblocks your Eustachian tubes.

Will antibiotics clear Eustachian tubes?

If the symptoms of ETD are caused by a bacterial infection, a doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. This may be a topical treatment or an oral antibiotic. In severe cases of ETD, a doctor may prescribe oral steroids as well.

What are the treatment options for glue ear?

Finally, there are surgical options available for the treatment of glue ear. The first option involves the insertion of a ventilation tube into the eardrum, which allows air to enter the middle ear without going through the Eustachian tube.

When should I seek medical advice for my child with glue ear?

If hearing loss persists for more than six to eight weeks you should seek medical advice to ensure that glue ear is the correct diagnosis. Sometimes in younger children, hearing loss manifests itself as speech delay or behavioural changes.

Can glue ear cause permanent damage to hearing?

Glue ear can sometimes cause pain, too. Glue ear that persists longer than a few months can cause permanent hearing damage. Young children with chronic glue ear are also at a higher risk of delayed speech and language. Hearing loss can also be a symptom of an ear infection.

What is the difference between glue ear and ear infection?

Young children with chronic glue ear are also at a higher risk of delayed speech and language. Hearing loss can also be a symptom of an ear infection. However, glue ear and ear infection aren’t the same thing. Unlike glue ear, an ear infection is quite painful and may be accompanied by fever and fluid drainage.