Conditions
Glue Ear and Grommets
Glue ear is the commonest cause of temporary deafness in UK kids under ten – the NHS reports that 90 per cent of children will suffer from it to some degree – and it’s particularly prevalent in kids under six. In part, that’s because it can go unnoticed, and kids labelled difficult or inattentive at school may actually be experiencing problems hearing.
Glue ear is the build-up of a sticky substance in the ear drum, and unlike some other ear infections, it doesn’t have any other symptoms, such as a fever, pain or feeling unwell. The sticky substance muffles hearing and, over time, that inability to hear can change the way kids behave. They may seem antisocial, have trouble concentrating and, if it’s not diagnosed, glue ear can have an impact on how well and how quickly kids learn to speak. In most cases it does clear up naturally without the need for treatment. But in others it just won’t go away.
There are several stages in treating glue ear. First, if you suspect your child’s hearing has been suffering for a month or more, take them along to your doctor or nurse for a test and examination. If glue ear is the culprit, your doctor can prescribe a course of antiobiotics, and if that doesn’t work, refer you to a specialist. They’ll take a careful measurement of your child’s hearing and may then recommend grommets.
Grommets are little tubes which are fitted into your child’s eardrum under a general anaesthetic at hospital. After all the ‘glue’ has been drained away, grommets keep the passageways in the ear clear and prevent more of that sticky stuff from accumulating. Kids can wear the grommets for six month to a year and they don’t cause any inconvenience.
As to why glue ear is so common – experts are divided. Some now believe it may just be a natural by-product of the ear’s development, but it’s also been noted that kids who live in a smoky home may be more at risk.
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i had grommets when i was 7 didn't hurt one bit. everyone at the hospital was really nice and friendly. nothing to worry about
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my son is due to have grommets next week and he is 6 now, we have been going for hearing tests for over a year now and there have been no improvement with his hearing. They are also taking his tonsils out and possibly his adenoids. This is a scary experience for him and us but we know it's for the best.
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thank you very much. grommets dont hurt them does it?
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my son is 15months old and in the last 5 months has perferated his eardrum 7 times due to infections in the middle. He is due to have grommets in 2 months time. He recently had a hearing test and his hearing is really poor. After he has had the grommets inserted will his hearing improve or will he need further treatment for it?
Asked on 1 May 2010 21:51 by emma
replies - can you help?
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MY daughter had her grommetts put in at 4 and hear hearing improved almost immediately ..( told me tv was too loud)
Posted on 20 May 2010 22:43 by heather
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This is a good answer