Eustachian Tube Dysfunction & Glue Ear
The Eustachian tube is part of the middle ear and connects your ear to the back of your throat. One of its primary roles is to equalise the pressure behind the eardrum. However, when this fails to function correctly it can cause an increase in negative pressure behind the eardrum and can result in a build-up of fluid in the middle ear space. This fluid is a condition commonly referred to as glue ear.
Symptoms
- A plugged feeling in the ears
- Ears feel like they are full of water
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ear
- Muffled hearing or partial hearing loss
- Popping sounds
- Pain and tenderness around and under the ear
- Trouble with balance (dizziness)
Symptoms may last from just a few hours to several weeks or more, depending on the cause.
Hearing loss caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction and glue ear is usually temporary and can resolve on its own. It can often be caused by conditions such as the common cold and the symptoms are likely to go within a week or so. As it improves, it is common to hear popping noises or feel popping sensations in the ear. It is also common for hearing to go back to normal suddenly but then become dull again before getting completely back to normal. In some cases however, if this fails to resolve, then interventional treatments are needed.
Adults can suffer from this condition but children are much more prone to it, and it is considered one of the most common childhood ailments. The NHS estimate eight out of ten children will have experienced glue ear before turning 10.
The following are common signs of glue ear in children:
- Changes in behaviour
- Becoming tired and frustrated
- A lack of concentration
- Preferring to play alone
- Not responding when called
- Delayed speech development