Glue Ear

Glue ear is one of the most common childhood illnesses and without treatment can affect the way a child's speech developes and cause them to fall behind at school.

Children under five are the largest group affected by glue ear, though for some it can persist into adolescence.

Glue ear can:

• cause temporary deafness
• delay speech development in young children
• affect behaviour and educational progress.
  

This publication explains what glue ear is, describes the conditions which can contribute to the development of glue ear and advises of the treatment available.

Note: This glue ear publication reflects the latest NICE guidance.

The NDCS also publishes a factsheet about treatments for Glue Ear, other than using grommets.  You can download this by clicking on the link below.

Treatments for glue ear (52 kb)