what is glue ear

Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion, is a condition where fluid builds up inside the middle ear and becomes thick and sticky. It is common in young children and often occurs after a cold or an ear infection. Glue ear can cause temporary hearing loss, which may cause some children to be irritable and can delay speech and language development. The fluid may clear up by itself without treatment, but it can take up to 3 months. If the fluid doesn’t clear up, it can be treated with tiny tubes called grommets that help the fluid drain. The most common symptom of glue ear is temporary hearing loss, which can affect one or both ears at the same time. Other symptoms may include earache or ear pain, hearing sounds like ringing or buzzing (tinnitus), and problems with balance. If glue ear lasts a long time, it can affect a childs speech development and progress at school.