Glue Ear
"WHAT IS GLUE EAR?"
Glue ear (Otitis media with effusion) is a condition which involves inflammation of the middle ear which causes a build up of fluid. Glue ear is common amongst children (although it is occasionally found amongst adults) and especially prevalent amongst children around the age of two. 90% of children the age of ten have had glue ear at some point. It most commonly occurs during the winter months, often after a previous ear infection. The causes of glue ear are unknown. However, glue ear is known not to result from water getting into the ear through activities such as swimming and showering, or due to a build-up of ‘ear wax’.
"WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GLUE EAR?"
The main symptom of Glue Ear is loss of hearing this can range from slightly dulled hearing to serious deafness in extreme cases. Loss of hearing can be detected by:
Other symptoms include:
"WHAT CAUSES GLUE EAR?"
A direct cause of Glue Ear is still unknown. But it is certainly due to a problem occurring with a part of the ear known as the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube is used for both ventilating the middle ear and as a channel for getting rid of mucus and other debris from the ear. Glue Ear occurs when the Eustachian tube loses its ability to function and fluid builds up in the ear. Reasons for this loss of function might include:
"IS THERE ANYTHING WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF GLUE EAR?"
Glue ear (Otitis media with effusion) is a condition which involves inflammation of the middle ear which causes a build up of fluid. Glue ear is common amongst children (although it is occasionally found amongst adults) and especially prevalent amongst children around the age of two. 90% of children the age of ten have had glue ear at some point. It most commonly occurs during the winter months, often after a previous ear infection. The causes of glue ear are unknown. However, glue ear is known not to result from water getting into the ear through activities such as swimming and showering, or due to a build-up of ‘ear wax’.
"WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GLUE EAR?"
The main symptom of Glue Ear is loss of hearing this can range from slightly dulled hearing to serious deafness in extreme cases. Loss of hearing can be detected by:
- Appearing to have selective hearing, for example ignoring questions asked of them.
- Having the volume on the television or radio very high.
- Asking people to repeat themselves and saying “pardon” or “what” often.
- In the case of babies, being less or not responsive to sounds.
Other symptoms include:
- Clumsiness as problems with balance.
- Problems with speech and language.
- Difficulty interacting socially.
"WHAT CAUSES GLUE EAR?"
A direct cause of Glue Ear is still unknown. But it is certainly due to a problem occurring with a part of the ear known as the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube is used for both ventilating the middle ear and as a channel for getting rid of mucus and other debris from the ear. Glue Ear occurs when the Eustachian tube loses its ability to function and fluid builds up in the ear. Reasons for this loss of function might include:
- Changes in air pressure which can lead to blockages.
- Inflammation, which can lead the tubes to narrow.
- Gastric fluids which leak up through the throat and into the tubes.
- Genetic factors. In some people the Eustachian tubes do not develop properly. Some genetic conditions such as Down's Syndrome causes narrowing of these tubes and therefore sufferers of this condition will have a greater propensity to Glue Ear.
"IS THERE ANYTHING WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF GLUE EAR?"
- Being around lots of other people, for example in a nursery or in a home with many children as this increases the likelihood of infection being transmitted.
- Children who have not been breastfed are at greater risk of contracting Glue Ear. This is because breastfeeding enhances the immune system.
- Being around second hand smoke. Children who live in a home where at least one of the parents smoke are 40% more likely to get Glue Ear.
- There is some evidence to say that ear infections and consequently Glue Ear is more prevalent among boys.
- Children who have allergies such as hayfever may be more likely to have Glue Ear, especially if they have inflamed adenoids.
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This information is meant to be helpful but Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be responsible for any loss caused by reliance upon it. If you have concerns about your child, please seek professional educational/healthcare advice. Should you find anything which you believe to be inaccurate please Contact Us as soon as possible.