Middle ear fluid (Otitis media)
Also known as otitis media with effusion. This happens when the middle ear, which normally contains air, is filled with fluid.
Anyone can get fluid in their ears, but it is much more likely to occur in children due to the anatomy of their auditory tube (the Eustachian tube that connects the back of the nose with the space behind your eardrum). Normally the Eustachian tube opens frequently to drain mucus from the middle ear space and also allow new air to enter this space. Any condition or situation that prevents this tube from working well can lead to the build up of middle ear fluid, for example:
Coughs, colds and blocked noses
Allergies, hayfever, sinus infections
Reflux, cleft palate
Enlarged nasal tissue like polyps or adenoids
Irritants like chemicals, dust etc
Rapid air pressure changes
After a middle ear infection the fluid in the middle ear may stay around for weeks, even if you had antibiotics
With time the fluid becomes thicker with a glue like consistency. It may affect one or both ears.
Why is having middle ear fluid a problem?
For you to hear normally, the middle ear needs to be full of air. When there is fluid instead of air, it is harder for the ear drum to vibrate and carry the sound vibrations to the inner ear. This makes it harder for you to hear clearly.
If both ears contain fluid, your hearing can be significantly reduced. Young children who have hearing loss for long periods can have problems with their speech and language development.
What is the treatment to clear middle ear fluid?
Time — in most people episodes of middle ear fluid get better without treatment.
Regular check up’s for the next 3 months (called the watchful wait period). These follow up visits are very important to get a clear picture whether the fluid build up is constant or intermittent.
Developing good nose blowing skills to help clear the Eustachian tube.
If the fluid is still present after 3 months then you or your child may require a referral to an ear nose and throat specialist if both ears are affected. If only one ear is affected it may be appropriate to monitor you or your child for another 3 months.
What else can I do to help?
Someone affected by this may not be able to hear as well as usual. They should be spoken to a bit slower, more clearly and a little louder.
Try to face the person speaking when talking to them and try to reduce background noise like turning down the TV or radio.
It can be helpful to get the persons attention before speaking to them.
Encourage children to read daily to help language development.
Let other family members/co-workers know that your hearing is affected. Teachers may also need to get your child's attention before speaking, they may need to sit at the front of the class to hear well. Glue ear is common and teachers are usually aware of the importance of making sure children hear well.
REMEMBER
Middle ear fluid is self-limiting and in 90% of children it will resolve over time.
Recurrence is common.
Ear infections and glue ear is common in young children.
There is no proven benefit in medication or alternative therapy.
Smoking increases the risk.
Always attend a check 5 to 6 weeks after an ear infection, to make sure the ear fluid has gone.
Most children outgrow ear infections and will have perfect, undamaged ears and normal hearing.
Healthy middle ear vs middle ear fluid:
