Glue ear - Treatment options 

Under a 'watchful waiting' regimen, no immediate treatment is given as the condition often clears up. Child’s condition and symptoms are carefully monitored

• Can avoid the need for treatment, as 30% of cases of glue ear will resolve without treatment in three months, and 90% within a year
• No risk of side effects or complications
  

• Children with moderate to severe hearing loss may experience mild delays in speech and language development while waiting for symptoms to resolve (delays are usually short-lived – most children will quickly catch up)
  

Child is taught a technique called autoinflation where they inflate a special balloon using their nose – this helps drain away the fluid

• Provides short- to mid-term relief of symptoms
• Minimal risk of side effects or complications

• Does not work well in all cases
• Can be a difficult technique for younger children to perform

The adenoids are removed in an operation called adenoidectomy – usually only recommended if swollen adenoids are blocking the eustachian tube between the back of the nose and the middle ear

• Improves hearing
  

• Not usually suitable for younger children
• Can cause sore throat, earache, stiff jaw, blocked nose, bad breath, change in voice, bleeding