Introduction
When a child seems to be ignoring conversations or asks you to repeat things often, it is easy to assume they are just distracted. But sometimes, the cause is physical, their hearing may be muffled because of an ear condition. Two of the most common culprits are glue ear and earwax build-up, and while they may seem similar, they are quite different.
Our ear wax removal essex specialists have crafted this guide to help parents understand how to tell them apart and make informed decisions about care and treatment.
What Exactly Is Glue Ear?
Glue ear, also called otitis media with effusion (OME), happens when the space behind the eardrum fills with sticky, glue-like fluid. This fluid stops the eardrum and tiny hearing bones from moving freely, making sounds seem muffled or distant.
The condition is not usually painful, and that is why it often goes unnoticed until parents realise their child is missing words or responding inconsistently. In many cases, it appears after an ear infection or cold when the middle ear does not drain properly.
Why Children Are More Likely to Develop It
Children’s ear structures are still developing, and that makes them more prone to glue ear. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, helps balance air pressure and drain fluid.
In children, this tube is shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than in adults, making it easier for mucus to get trapped and harder for it to drain.
Frequent colds, sinus infections, or enlarged adenoids (soft tissue near the back of the nose) can block this drainage. As a result, fluid lingers behind the eardrum and thickens over time, hence the term “glue ear.”
Children who attend nursery or school are exposed to more infections, increasing their chances of developing the condition. Seasonal allergies can also play a role.
Common Signs Parents Should Watch For
Children rarely say, “I can’t hear properly.” Instead, parents may notice subtle behavioural or communication changes, such as:
- Turning up the TV or sitting very close to it
- Asking people to repeat things or saying “what?” frequently
- Seeming inattentive or easily distracted
- Talking louder than usual
- Speech that sounds unclear or delayed
- Complaining about ear fullness, popping, or buzzing noises
- Occasional balance problems or clumsiness
If your child has any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, especially after a cold it, is worth getting their ears checked.
When to See a Professional
You should seek help if your child:
- Has persistent hearing issues or speech delays
- Complains of ear pressure, fullness, or ringing
- Develops ear pain, discharge, or fever
- Has glue ear lasting more than three months
Early evaluation can prevent long-term hearing or speech difficulties.
How Glue Ear Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis is simple and painless.
A clinician will usually:
- Look inside the ear using an otoscope to see if the eardrum looks dull or retracted.
- Perform tympanometry, a short test using a puff of air to check how well the eardrum moves.
If the eardrum movement is restricted, it suggests fluid build-up behind it. Some children may also have a hearing test to measure how much the glue ear affects their hearing.
Can Glue Ear Clear on Its Own?
Yes, in most cases, it does. Many children recover within three months without any treatment. During this time, doctors usually recommend watchful waiting, meaning the condition is monitored but not immediately treated.
While waiting, you can help your child by:
- Reducing background noise when they are reading or doing homework
- Encouraging teachers to speak clearly and face the child when talking
- Making sure the child’s hearing is checked again after the observation period
How Professionals Treat Glue Ear
If glue ear lasts longer than three months or causes noticeable hearing loss or speech delays, treatment may be required. Options include:
Autoinflation (The Balloon Method)
This is one of the simplest and least invasive treatments. The child blows up a special balloon through one nostril while keeping the other closed. This gentle action opens the Eustachian tube, allowing trapped air and fluid in the middle ear to move more freely.
It works best for older children who can follow instructions and is often used during the “watchful waiting” period before other interventions are considered.
Grommets (Tiny Ventilation Tubes)
If glue ear persists or hearing loss becomes significant, small tubes called grommets may be inserted into the eardrum under a short general anaesthetic. These tubes act as vents, allowing air to circulate and fluid to drain from the middle ear.
Grommets usually stay in place for six to twelve months and fall out naturally as the eardrum heals. Many children experience immediate improvement in hearing after the procedure.
Adenoid Removal (Adenoidectomy)
Enlarged adenoids, the soft tissue at the back of the nasal cavity, can block the Eustachian tube and make glue ear more likely to return. In such cases, doctors may suggest adenoid removal along with grommet insertion to improve long-term results.
Managing Nasal Congestion and Allergies
In children with frequent colds or allergies, managing nasal symptoms can make a big difference. Using prescribed antihistamines or nasal sprays under a clinician’s guidance can help keep the Eustachian tube clear and prevent future fluid build-up.
Treatments like antibiotics or decongestants are generally not effective for glue ear unless there is an infection. The trapped fluid in glue ear is usually sterile (not infected), so medication cannot easily reach it. Overusing these medicines may also lead to unnecessary side effects or resistance.
How It Affects Learning and Development
Even a mild reduction in hearing can make it harder for children to follow speech in classrooms or group settings. They may miss key sounds or words, struggle with pronunciation, or lose interest in conversation and reading.
This is why it’s important for parents and teachers to work together, seating the child near the teacher, reducing noise distractions, and keeping communication clear all make a big difference.
Understanding the Difference Between Earwax and Glue Ear
Many parents confuse glue ear with earwax build-up, because both can cause muffled hearing and the feeling of blocked ears. But they affect different parts of the ear:
- Earwax build-up happens in the outer ear canal, where wax naturally forms.
- Glue ear affects the middle ear, behind the eardrum.
In fact, earwax can sometimes make it harder to diagnose glue ear, because it blocks the clinician’s view of the eardrum. Before confirming glue ear, healthcare professionals often recommend safe earwax removal, such as microsuction, to ensure they can properly examine the ear.
Parents sometimes attempt to manage what they think is “glue ear” by using cotton buds, ear candles, or online ear-cleaning tools. These methods are unsafe. Cotton buds tend to push wax deeper, while ear candles can cause burns and do not remove wax at all.
If you suspect your child has blocked ears, it’s best to seek professional care. Clinics that provide ear wax removal in Essex offer safe, gentle procedures suitable even for children. This not only helps rule out wax as the cause but also supports accurate diagnosis of glue ear or other ear conditions.
Protecting Your Child’s Hearing With Expet Ear Care in Essex
Glue ear is common, temporary, and treatable, but recognising it early makes all the difference. Regular ear checks, good ear hygiene, and professional guidance can help your child stay confident and connected in learning and play.
If your child experiences frequent ear blockages, muffled hearing, or has been advised to clear wax before a hearing test, professional ear wax removal in Essex could be the first step toward clearer hearing and lasting comfort.
At Theydon Bois Pharmacy in Epping, our clinicians are trained in gentle microsuction earwax removal for both children and adults.
We proudly serve families across Epping, Loughton, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Abridge, Roydon, Nazeing, and Harlow, helping young patients maintain healthy, comfortable hearing in a friendly environment.
Schedule your child’s appointment today and safeguard their hearing for the future.