Glue Ear in Children and Adults: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Glue ear, medically known as otitis media with effusion, develops when fluid becomes trapped in the middle ear and gradually thickens into a glue-like substance. This condition most commonly affects young children, but adults can also develop it.

In Canada, glue ear is frequently identified following repeated ear infections or upper respiratory illnesses, such as colds or influenza. While glue ear is not usually painful, it can significantly affect hearing, which in children may interfere with speech development, learning, balance, and behaviour. If glue ear is suspected in a child or adult, a healthcare provider should assess the ears.

What Causes Glue Ear?

Glue ear develops when the Eustachian tube—the small tube that drains fluid from the middle ear into the throat—becomes blocked. When this happens, fluid cannot drain properly and begins to thicken.

Common contributing factors include:

• Recent colds or flu

• Recurrent middle ear infections

• Enlarged adenoids

• Exposure to second-hand smoke

• Allergies or chronic nasal congestion

Glue ear often follows common childhood illnesses, which is why regular ear checks are important—especially for children under school age.

Children living in households where smoking occurs indoors are at a higher risk, a concern regularly addressed in Canadian child health education and first aid training programs.

Signs and Symptoms of Glue Ear

Glue ear can be difficult to detect because symptoms are often subtle or absent. Possible signs include:

• Difficulty hearing or frequently increasing TV or device volume

• Delayed speech or unclear speech in young children

• Balance problems or clumsiness

• Irritability or behavioural changes

• Ear pressure or discomfort

• Difficulty sleeping

Because hearing loss may be gradual, glue ear is sometimes first noticed by parents, caregivers, teachers, or early childhood educators.

How Glue Ear Is Diagnosed

A doctor or nurse practitioner can usually diagnose glue ear by examining the ear with an otoscope. In some cases:

• Hearing tests are performed

• Tympanometry may be used to measure middle-ear pressure

Early diagnosis is important, particularly for children during key learning and language-development stages.

Management and Treatment

In many cases, glue ear resolves on its own, especially within a few weeks. For this reason, healthcare providers often recommend a “watch and wait” approach.

Treatment options may include:

• Monitoring hearing over time

• Treating active ear infections with antibiotics (if present)

• Managing nasal congestion or allergies

If hearing loss or symptoms persist for several months, surgical placement of grommets (ear tubes) may be recommended. These tiny tubes allow fluid to drain and help restore hearing.

Why Glue Ear Awareness Matters in First Aid Training

While glue ear itself is not a first aid emergency, first aid training in Canada emphasizes early recognition of health issues that affect safety, learning, and development, particularly in children.

Parents, educators, and caregivers trained in basic and intermediate first aid are often the first to notice:

• Changes in hearing

• Balance issues

• Behavioural changes related to undiagnosed ear conditions

Educational Disclaimer 

This content is intended for general education only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Glue ear requires assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. First aid and CPR courses focus on recognition, monitoring, and appropriate escalation of care, not medical diagnosis or surgical decisions.