Glue ear is a build-up of thick sticky mucus inside the ear behind the ear drum which can affect a child's hearing. Most children are affected by it at some point before starting school, but it almost always settles by itself with time.
The fluid arises after a middle ear infection or if the natural path which drains fluid from the ear through to the back of the nose isn’t working. If it takes a long time to settle, and the child's hearing is affected enough to cause problems at home or at school, surgery can provide some benefit.
A grommet is a small plastic tube which is placed in a hole in the eardrum. The operation to make the hole is called a myringotomy. The grommet is basically there to stop the hole healing up too quickly. Without a grommet, a myringotomy hole will heal up in a few days at most, providing only a short period of relief as the ‘glue’ will quickly return.
A grommet, on the other hand, will stay in place for six to 12 months before falling out. This is important because the child's hearing will only be improved while the hole is present - it does this by letting air into the ear, which stops the build-up of fluid. By the time the grommet falls out, most children will have grown out of the problem.
It would be a good idea for your granddaughter’s parents to discuss this with their GP in detail. Their doctor may suggest referring them to a local ENT surgeon if it’s thought that surgery might be useful in your granddaughter’s case.
Most middle ear infections are due to viruses and bacteria. The grommets wouldn’t stop your granddaughter picking up an infection but should make them less severe and the recovery faster.
Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 11 October 2007
This information has been written to provide general information only, and does not replace health or medical advice. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.
