Glue ear

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

Glue Ear was highly commended in the 2009 British Medical Association's Patient Information Awards.

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 and has been Highly Commended in the British Medical Association Patient Information Awards 2009.

Glue Ear Poster

NDCS also has a poster giving information about glue ear. 

Download:  Glue Ear Poster (47 kb)

Glue Ear Factsheet

NDCS also publishes a factsheet about treatments for glue ear, other than using grommets.

Download: Treatments for glue ear (52 kb)

To order hard copies of these publications go to the 'Our publications' pages. 

Glue Ear Video 

For some further information about glue ear and to watch an animation of how glue ear affects the ear click NHS Choices website.

Children's Cartoon

Hana's Helpline is a Channel 5 series for young children. In 'Hardly Hear' Greta the gorilla falls behind at school because she can't hear properly, until she gets grommets. To watch the episode click here

This section contains links to blogs where families have written about their experiences of glue ear or grommet surgery. They are personal experiences and NDCS is not responsible for their content. The content may not reflect NDCS views.

If you have written a blog about your experiences and would like to include it here please email helpline@ndcs.org.uk

'Cheshire Mum' has blogged about her and her son's experiences of glue ear. Click on the links to read their story before Don't say what, say pardon! and of the surgery Getting the Grommets Op.

'Beetroot and Gherkins' has blogged about her and her son's experience before, just prior to, and on the day of the surgery.

'Are we nearly there yet, mummy?' has blogged about the experiences of her son who has had 3 sets of grommets. Click here and use the 'tags' box on the right had side. Click on 'grommets' and 'hospital' to get a list of relevant posts.  

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