Understanding glue ear: causes, symptoms & treatment

Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion, is a common ear condition where sticky fluid builds up behind the eardrum. This fluid can affect hearing and sometimes cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Glue ear is most common in young children but can also affect adults, especially after colds, sinus infections, or allergies.

At Leightons, we know how worrying it can be when hearing changes suddenly. The good news is that glue ear often improves naturally, and there are simple ways to manage it. Our experienced audiologists can assess hearing, check ear health, and guide you towards the right care for your needs.

What is glue ear?

Glue ear happens when fluid collects in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. Normally, the Eustachian tube (a small canal connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose) helps equalise pressure and drain any fluid. When this tube becomes blocked or inflamed, fluid can build up instead of draining away.

This trapped fluid prevents the eardrum and tiny hearing bones from vibrating properly, making sounds seem muffled. The “glue” in glue ear refers to the thick, sticky consistency of this fluid.

Glue ear doesn’t always cause pain, so it can sometimes go unnoticed - especially in children. However, it can cause temporary hearing loss that may affect speech and communication if left unchecked.

What causes glue ear?

Glue ear can develop for several reasons, often after a cold or infection, but also due to other factors that affect drainage in the middle ear. Common causes include:

· Colds or sinus infections that cause inflammation and mucus build-up.

· Allergies, which can lead to swelling around the Eustachian tube.

· Enlarged adenoids, which can block fluid drainage (particularly in children).

· Poor air ventilation or exposure to cigarette smoke.

· Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, where pressure doesn’t equalise properly.

Children are more prone to glue ear because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and narrower, making it easier for fluid to get trapped.

Symptoms of glue ear

Symptoms of glue ear can vary depending on how much fluid has built up and how long it’s been there. Common signs include:

· Muffled or reduced hearing (often mistaken for inattention in children)

· A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

· Ear popping or clicking sounds

· Balance problems or clumsiness in young children

· Speech or language delays

· Mild ear discomfort (though it’s usually not painful)

If you experience these symptoms for more than a few weeks, it’s worth booking a professional ear or hearing check to rule out other causes such as wax build-up or infection.

Who is most affected?

Glue ear most commonly affects children aged 2 to 6, often following colds or viral infections. It can also appear in adults, particularly after sinus infections, allergies, or sudden air pressure changes (such as flying or diving).

In most cases, glue ear clears up naturally, but if it becomes persistent, treatment may be needed to restore normal hearing.

How is glue ear diagnosed and treated?

A professional ear examination and free hearing test are the first steps in diagnosing glue ear. At Leightons, we can assess whether fluid or pressure changes are affecting hearing.

In children, doctors often recommend a “watch and wait” approach, as glue ear frequently resolves within a few weeks. If it doesn’t improve, other treatments may include:

· Nasal sprays or decongestants to reduce inflammation

· Grommets (tiny tubes inserted into the eardrum to drain fluid and equalise pressure)

· Hearing aids to support clear hearing while fluid is present

· Managing allergies to reduce recurrence

Adults with glue ear may benefit from similar treatments, depending on the cause.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, our audiologists can carry out ear health checks and free hearing assessments to detect glue ear or related hearing issues. We’ll take the time to explain your results clearly and, if needed, refer you to your GP or an ENT specialist for further investigation.

After treatment, we can also provide follow-up hearing tests to monitor progress and ensure your hearing returns to normal.

We’re here to support you and your family with expert, friendly care - helping you protect your hearing and feel confident in your ear health.

Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable hearing.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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