A surge in respiratory infections has led to a rise in ear problems that are easy to miss but can have lasting effects
Parents are being urged to watch for signs of hearing loss in young children, as a spike in seasonal respiratory infections has led to a rise in cases of glue ear – a condition that can quietly disrupt speech, learning and behaviour if left untreated.
While many ear infections in children are short-lived and obvious – signalled by pain, fever or distress – glue ear is different. It often causes no pain at all, but leads to a build-up of sticky fluid behind the eardrum that muffles sound and can persist for weeks or months. Because it often follows a cold, it can easily be overlooked.
A hidden consequence of common colds
Glue ear – the everyday name for chronic serous otitis media – is especially common in winter, when cold and flu viruses are circulating widely. Children with enlarged adenoids or nasal allergies are more prone to it, as these conditions can block proper ventilation in the middle ear.
“When a child has a cold, the eustachian tube – which helps equalise pressure and drain fluid – can become blocked,” said Vincent Howard, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology® with a special interest in paediatrics. “If that fluid doesn’t drain properly, it turns glue-like and hearing becomes dulled.”
Unlike acute ear infections, glue ear often comes without pain. But it can still have a significant impact, especially in young children still developing language skills. Because the symptoms are subtle, they are frequently misattributed to other issues.
Hearing loss often mistaken for behavioural problems
Children with glue ear may appear inattentive, frustrated or slow to respond. Some struggle with speech or seem withdrawn. These changes are sometimes misread as behavioural problems or developmental delays.
Tests such as tympanometry, which measures how the eardrum moves in response to pressure, can help diagnose the condition. A nasal examination may also be needed to look for any contributing blockages.
Treatment options – and why early intervention matters
Mild cases of glue ear may resolve on their own or with medication that reduces inflammation and improves drainage. But in more persistent cases, ENT specialists may recommend a minor surgical procedure to drain the fluid and insert grommets, which are tiny ventilation tubes, into the eardrum.
The procedure is quick, and recovery is fast. In some cases, additional surgery on the adenoids or tonsils may be advised to help prevent recurrence and keep the airway clear.
What to watch for – and when to seek help
Signs of glue ear can include difficulty hearing, inattentiveness, unclear speech or a change in social behaviour. If these persist after a cold, parents are advised to seek advice from a specialised hearing clinic or paediatric ENT specialist.
“Children don’t always say they can’t hear,” concludes Howard. “So it’s often up to parents and carers to notice when something’s not right. The earlier glue ear is picked up, the easier it is to treat – and the better the outcome for the child.”
References
- Glue Ear NHS - comprehensive information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for glue ear
- Treatment of glue ear with grommets - details the surgical procedure of inserting grommets to treat persistent glue ear
- Glue Ear in Children – patient information discussing glue ear, its effects, and management strategies
