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Glue ear in children and adults

It is quite common for children to get glue ear at some stage in their lives, although some adults may suffer from this also. This is when the middle part of the ear is blocked with mucus, which can be thick and sticky, causing temporary hearing loss, and could lead to infections later on.

Treatment is necessary if hearing is affected, especially for children as it could delay their speech and language acquisition. Such treatments include hearing aids or grommets. Adults can also receive microsuction treatment.

Our consultant is well-equipped in performing grommets insertion to let fresh air behind the eardrum again. With time, this treatment will gradually lead to a healthy ear.


What are some symptoms of glue ear?

  • The individual speaks more loudly than usual.

  • They complain of hearing a constant buzzing or ringing in their ears.

  • They feel a discomfort in their ear.

  • They cannot hear sounds that are far away.

  • They turn up the volume on electronic devices.


In some cases, glue ear can reoccur after a grommet treatment. The reason being that part of the ear has not matured yet. Since the cause of glue ear is not fully understood, there is no sure way of preventing it. Steps can be taken to reduce the chances of children developing it, however, including breastfeeding your child rather than bottle feeding and limiting your child’s exposure to smokers or smoky environments.

This condition can become serious and should be acted upon quickly. Book an appointment with our consultant.

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