Your GP will ask you about your child’s symptoms and whether you've noticed any changes in the pattern of their behaviour, such as changes in their speech or their interaction with others.
A diagnosis of glue ear can usually be confirmed using an instrument called an otoscope. An otoscope is a small, hand-held device that has a magnifying glass and a light source at the end. It is used to study the inside of the ear.
An otoscope can detect certain signs that usually indicate the presence of fluid inside the middle ear.
These include:
- the ear drum being pulled inwards
- the ear drum being an unusual colour
- the ear drum having a cloudy appearance, and bubbles and fluid are visible inside the ear
Further testing
Further testing is usually only required if your child’s symptoms persist for more than three months. The tests will usually be carried out your local ear, nose and throat (ENT) department.
Two tests that may be carried out include:
- an audiogram – to assess the extent of your child’s hearing loss
- tympanometry – to assess how much fluid is present in the middle ear
These tests are discussed in more detail below.
Audiogram
An audiogram hearing test is performed using a machine called an audiometer. The audiometer produces sounds of different volume and frequency. Your child will listen to the sounds through headphones. They will be asked to indicate when they can hear a sound and when they cannot.
This test will not cause your child any discomfort, and most children tend to find it interesting.
Your child's ability to hear the different sounds can be seen on a chart called an audiogram.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is a test that measures how the ear drum reacts to changes in air pressure. A healthy ear drum should move easily if there is a change in air pressure. If your child’s ear drum moves sluggishly or not at all, it usually suggests that there is fluid in their ear drum.
During a tympanometry test, a probe will be place into your child’s ear. The probe changes the air pressure at regular intervals while transmitting a sound into the ear.
A measuring device is attached to the probe to record how the sound reflects back from the ear, and how changes in air pressure affect these measurements.
If less sound is reflected back when the air pressure inside the ear is high, it usually indicates that the ear drum is having problems moving due to fluid.
Read more about hearing tests in children.
