Glue Ear - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction:

The ear has three divisions: outer, middle, and inner. Sound waves enter the outer (external) ear and strike the eardrum, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations travel from the eardrum to the middle ear bones (ossicles). The vibrations are then transmitted to the cochlea in the inner ear by these bones. The cochlea converts vibrations into electric signals sent to the brain via the ear nerve. These signals are interpreted as sound by the brain.

What Is Glue Ear?

Glue ear is a disorder in which the middle ear is filled with a fluid that resembles glue. One or both ears may be affected. The fluid impedes the eardrum's vibrations and tiny bones (ossicles) caused by sound. As the cochlea receives these affected vibrations, the hearing volume is reduced. Glue ear is most commonly seen in young children but can occur at any age. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is another name for glue ear.

What Causes Glue Ear?

The cause is primarily due to a malfunctioning eustachian tube. If the eustachian tube becomes narrow, blocked, or does not open properly, the balance of fluid and air in the middle ear may be altered. If air from the Eustachian tube does not replace the air in the middle ear, it may gradually pass into the nearby cells. The middle ear may then develop a vacuum. This could result in fluid seeping into the middle ear from nearby cells.

Some children develop glue ear when extra mucus is produced due to a cough, cold, or ear infection. Mucus may accumulate in the middle ear and not drain appropriately down the eustachian tube. However, glue ear does not always start with an ear infection.

What Are The Risk Factors For Glue Ear?

Glue ear is quite common. By age ten, 8 out of 10 children will have had at least one episode of OME. It is often seen in children aged two to five years. Boys are more likely to be affected than girls. Most cases of glue ear occur during the winter. Risk factors for glue ear are as follows:

• Age, especially under two years of age.

• Bottle-feeding.

• Daycare settings have a higher risk of germ exposure.

• Seasonal allergies like rhinitis.

• Have a cleft palate, which can impair the function of the eustachian tube.

• Down syndrome.

• Poor air quality.

• Tobacco smoke exposure.

What Are The Symptoms Of Glue Ear?

The most common symptom in children is heart loss. A child with glued ear may sometimes experience no symptoms at all. The following symptoms may be observed in the child:

• Talks at a higher volume than usual.

• Has trouble hearing others speak at normal volumes.

• Can not hear noises from a distance.

• Asks people to repeat themselves.

• Increases the volume of electronic devices.

• Complaints of ringing or buzzing sounds in their ears.

Adults with glue ear may experience symptoms similar to children. However, they may also experience ear pressure and fatigue due to discomfort. Glue ear can also be painful at times.

It lasts over a few months and can result in permanent hearing impairment. Children with chronic glue ear are also more likely to have delayed speech and language development.

What Is The Difference Between Glue Ear And an Ear Infection?

An ear infection can also cause hearing loss. However, glue ear and ear infections are not synonymous. An ear infection, unlike a glue ear, is excruciating and may be accompanied by fever and fluid drainage. An ear infection must be treated medically to avoid hearing loss and eardrum damage. However, there are two links between OME and ear infections:

• Most ear infections result in fluid (an effusion) remaining in the middle ear for a few days or weeks after treatment.

• Fluid accumulates in the middle ear when the eustachian tube is partially blocked. Bacteria become trapped and begin to grow inside the ear. This could result in an ear infection.

How Is Glue Ear Diagnosed?

An ear exam is used to diagnose glue ear. The doctor will look inside the ear with a magnified scope and a light attached. This device can assist them in determining where there is fluid buildup. The patient should consult a hearing specialist if the glue ear returns or lasts longer than three months. During an examination, the doctor can confirm if the glue ear has resulted in an infection.

How Is Glue Ear Treated?

The majority of glue ear cases resolve on their own. As a result, the family doctor may suggest regular checkups for up to three months to examine the child's ears.

Some treatment options exist if the child has fluid in the middle ear for over three months. Antibiotics may be used to treat glue ear that develops into a middle ear infection.

• Active Monitoring: The doctor may recommend waiting three months to see if the glue ear resolves on its own. Watchful waiting is another term for active monitoring. However, watchful waiting is not an option for some children, such as those with Down syndrome or cleft palate.

• Auto Inflation: Auto inflation is one method for reducing fluid buildup at home. Each nostril is used to blow up a balloon-like device. Auto inflation must be performed several times a day for best results. This method is not recommended for children under the age of three.

• Speech Therapy And Hearing Aids: Severe cases of glue ear may necessitate the care of a specialist, such as an ENT doctor. When middle ear fluid is present, temporary hearing aids may be used to improve auditory skills. The doctor may also recommend speech therapy if a lack of hearing has impacted the child's developmental milestones.

• Surgery: Chronic glue ear may be treated with surgery known as an adenoidectomy. The doctor will remove the adenoid glands from behind the nose, which may contribute to fluid buildup in the ear. These glands are attached to the eustachian tubes at the base. When the adenoids become inflamed and irritated, the eustachian tubes can also become irritated and inflamed, resulting in fluid buildup and possible ear infections. During and after surgery, one will be required to wear small tubes in the ears known as grommets, also known as ear tubes or pressure equalizer tubes. These allow fluid to drain from behind the eardrum, keeping it open. Grommets, however, are only temporary and usually fall out on their own after a short period.

What Is The Outlook Of Glue Ear?

The outlook is usually favorable. Many children only experience symptoms for a short period. When the fluid drains gradually, air returns, and hearing returns to normal.

• Hearing returns to normal within three months in about five out of ten cases.

• Hearing returns to normal within a year in nine out of ten cases.

• In some rare cases, glue ear can last a year or more.

Some children have several episodes of glue ear, which cause brief but recurring episodes of hearing loss. As a result, the time spent with impaired hearing during childhood could amount to many months.

Conclusion:

The glue ear is a disorder in which the middle ear is filled with a fluid that resembles glue. While glue ear can cause serious complications, this common childhood condition often resolves independently. It can take around three months to clear up completely. The hearing will improve on its own as fluid drains from the ears. If one has significant hearing problems, signs of an ear infection, or the glue ear lasts longer than three months; they should see a doctor. Further, after one has had glued ear, they will need to see the doctor regularly to ensure that more fluid does not accumulate in the middle ear and cause hearing problems.