Glue ear is a condition in which the middle ear fills with glue-like fluid. It occurs more commonly in children than in adults. The fluid dampens sound waves, or the vibrations of the tiny bones in the middle ear. This decreases sound transfer to the inner ear and leads to muffled hearing. The fluid accumulation usually resolves on its own. Occasionally, however, it persists and causes hearing, speech and language problems.
Eustachian Tube Block
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and helps to drain fluids from the ear. Air is normally present in the middle ear. When the tube becomes blocked, it creates a vacuum in the middle ear. The lining of the middle ear becomes inflamed and too much fluid is then secreted into the middle ear. Because of the block, this fluid cannot drain, and eventually the fluid becomes thick and glue-like. According to the National Institutes of Health, allergies can cause the Eustachian tube to swell. Exposure to smoke, repeated upper respiratory tract infections and rapid pressure changes while flying also cause a tube to become blocked.
Repeated Infections
Children have shorter and wider Eustachian tubes, which are less efficient in their function and make it easier for germs to enter the middle ear. Because of this, children are more likely to develop ear infections than adults. After an episode of ear infection, fluid in the middle ear persists. In addition, children will be more prone to frequent colds. Extra mucous made due to a cold builds up and cannot drain. This mucous builds up in the middle ear, resulting in fluid.
Adenoids
Children have lymph tissue at the back of nose called adenoids. When these get big due to repeated colds, they can block the Eustachian tube and result in fluid.
Risk Factors
Glue ear occurs more often in winter and early spring. Children in day-care centers are prone to developing the condition because they contract colds and frequent ear infections from other children; these infections can result in glue ear. Breast-feeding helps protect against glue ear, according to the website Eardoc; drinking bottled milk, on the other hand, can increase the likelihood of developing an ear infection due to poor immunity. Glue ear is also more likely in children from poor families, possibly due to crowded living conditions that can increase risk of infection, Eardoc says. According to the Cleft Lip and Palate Association, children with cleft palates are also more prone to the condition. The Eustachian tube– which is normally opened by the palate muscles–does not function properly in those with cleft palate, which can lead to glue ear.
About this Author
Vaishali Mehta is a doctor by profession and has a master’s degree in otolaryngology from India. She has clinical experience in the field of ENT. She has a passion for medical writing and has written stacks of research articles. She likes to write for health, fitness and nutrition, and otolaryngology-related topics.
