Glue ear is not always treated. The GP will usually wait to see if the symptoms get better on their own. Your child's doctor, nurse or audiologist may prescribe treatment with a nasal balloon to help clear your child's glue ear during the watchful waiting period.

The NICE guideline recommends the use of autoinflation during the observation period for children who are likely to be able to use the procedure. If you know that you only experience symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction when flying, try these approaches just before and just after flying to reduce or prevent your symptoms. Avoid your child swimming in lakes or non-chlorinated pools. The water in these places usually has a high bacteria count and infection is more likely to occur.Glue ear is a common condition in childhood where the middle ear is filled with fluid, without infection. About one in five children around the age of two will be affected by glue ear at any given time, and in the UK, GPs see about 200,000 children each year because of it. The results are consistent with a 2013 Cochrane systematic review which included eight trials involving 702 patients.

Avoiding cigarette smoke: Children who spend time around cigarette smoke are at a higher risk of developing glue ear. Try to keep smoke out of your house and car as much as possible.

Glue Ear in Adults

Hearing aids are devices that make sounds louder. To help with temporary hearing loss, your child’s healthcare provider may recommend hearing aids. Children often use them while they’re waiting for glue ear to resolve. They also use them when a myringotomy isn’t possible. Are there any potential complications after surgery for glue ear?