Hearing conditions

Otitis media is a middle ear infection that causes inflammation and fluid build-up behind the eardrum. It’s a common condition that can affect both children and adults, often developing after a cold, sinus infection, or allergy. While it can cause discomfort or temporary hearing loss, most cases clear up with time and the right care. At Leightons, we understand how worrying ear pain or hearing changes can be. Our experienced audiologists can assess your ear health, explain what’s happening, and guide you to the right support to keep your hearing healthy. What is otitis media? Otitis media refers to an infection or inflammation of the middle ear - the small space behind your eardrum that contains tiny bones responsible for hearing. This area is connected to the back of your throat by a narrow passage called the Eustachian tube, which helps equalise pressure and drain fluid from the ear. When the Eustachian tube becomes blocked or swollen, fluid can build up in the middle ear. This trapped fluid can become infected by bacteria or viruses, leading to pain, pressure, and sometimes hearing loss. Otitis media is especially common in children because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for infections to develop. What causes otitis media? Several factors can contribute to the development of a middle ear infection, including: Viral or bacterial infections, often following colds or flu Eustachian tube dysfunction, which prevents proper drainage Allergies or sinus congestion Adenoid enlargement in children, which can block the Eustachian tube Smoke exposure, which can irritate the ear and throat These issues can trap fluid behind the eardrum, creating an ideal environment for infection. Common symptoms of otitis media Symptoms of otitis media can vary depending on age and severity but may include: Ear pain or a feeling of fullness Hearing loss or muffled hearing Fluid discharge from the ear (if the eardrum ruptures) Fever or feeling generally unwell Irritability or trouble sleeping (especially in children) Balance problems or dizziness in some cases In children, signs may also include tugging at the ear or difficulty responding to quiet sounds. If symptoms persist beyond a few days, it’s best to seek professional advice. Types of otitis media There are a few different types of otitis media, depending on how long the infection lasts and whether fluid remains trapped in the ear: Acute Otitis Media (AOM): A short-term infection that causes ear pain, redness, and sometimes fever. Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): Also known as glue ear, this is when fluid remains in the middle ear after infection but without active symptoms. Chronic Otitis Media: Ongoing or repeated infections that can lead to longer-term hearing issues or ear discharge. How is otitis media diagnosed and treated? A GP or ENT specialist will usually diagnose otitis media by looking inside the ear with an otoscope and checking for signs of redness, swelling, or fluid. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection: Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is bacterial or persistent. Nasal sprays or decongestants can help relieve pressure and aid drainage. In recurring cases, grommet surgery (tiny tubes placed in the eardrum) may be recommended to help fluid drain and prevent further infections. Most infections clear up within a week or two. However, follow-up hearing checks can ensure that any fluid or hearing changes have resolved fully. Preventing otitis media While not all ear infections can be avoided, you can reduce your risk by: Treating colds and allergies promptly Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke Keeping ears clean and dry (without inserting objects like cotton buds) Managing sinus issues or congestion early Booking regular hearing assessments to identify recurring ear problems early How Leightons can help At Leightons, our audiologists provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to identify signs of infection, fluid build-up, or hearing loss. If otitis media is suspected, we can: Explain your results clearly and refer you to your GP or ENT specialist if needed Provide follow-up hearing tests after recovery Offer advice on keeping your ears healthy and preventing future infections We’re here to help you and your family protect your hearing, stay comfortable, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step towards clearer, healthier hearing.

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.