Glue Ear

• Glue ear is a condition where the middle ear is filled with glue-like fluid instead of air. This causes dulled hearing. It clears by itself in most cases. An operation to clear the fluid may be advised if glue ear persists.
• The exact cause is not clear. It is probably due to the Eustachian tube not working properly. The balance of fluid and air in the middle ear may become altered if the Eustachian tube is narrow, blocked, or does not open properly. Air in the middle ear may gradually pass into the nearby cells if it is not replaced by air coming up the Eustachian tube. A vacuum may then develop in the middle ear. This may cause fluid to seep into the middle ear from the nearby cells.
• Some children develop glue ear after a cough, cold, or ear infection when extra mucus is made. The mucus may build up in the middle ear and not drain well down the Eustachian tube. However, in many cases glue ear does not begin with an ear infection.

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