Glue Ear: Symptoms And Treatments

Ear is one of the most important parts of our body. It is the organ that helps us to hear the sounds that come from outside. Ear has a definite structure. The sound waves create vibration in the eardrum. The eardrum passes it onto the middle ear bones which are called ossicles. Then the vibration is passed to the cochlea that converts the same to electrical signals and sends to the brain. Our brain interprets these signals and we are able to hear.Now, the middle ear which is just behind the eardrum is filled with air. But sometimes a fluid which looks like glue is formed in your middle ear. It creates an obstruction in the way of the vibration. It turns down the volume in our ear causing a hearing problem. Though it usually happens with young children, it can build up at any age. Visit a reputed ear doctor and get proper treatment. Glue ear is also called otitis media with effusion.

Treatment of glue ear:
The first step is to monitor for quite a time. The glue may clear with time and no treatment may be needed. In some cases, balloon treatment is done. The child is made to inflate a balloon with their nose. This helps to open up the Eustachian tube which will clear the glue in the ear. The treatment may continue until the fluid clears away. Also, ear surgery Sydney and hearing aids are other options of treating glue ear.

Symptoms of glue ear:
Symptoms of glue ear are usually hearing problem and pain in the ear.

Loss of hearing:
This is the main problem a patient suffering from glue ear complaints of. A child may hear severely low or the problem may increase day by day. The glue in the middle ear restricts the proper level vibration to reach the cochlea. This turns the volume down making it tough to hear. It depends on various other factors. The situation may worsen if the child is suffering from cold or any ear infection. Babies affected with glue ear may be less responsive to normal sound. Kids may show occasional problem due to glue ear.

Pain:
This is not a proper symptom of glue ear but may become a result of glue ear. Pain may occur occasionally due to the fluid in the middle ear. The glue like fluid is good food for bacteria. The presence of fluid will easily give rise to an infection because of the bacteria. It is better to use painkillers for the remedy.