What is middle ear effusion?
This is a build-up of fluid in the middle part of the ear, which can affect your child’s hearing.
It is a common problem in childhood and occurs most frequently from the age of two to six years and by the age of 10 years 80% of children will have had at least one episode of middle ear effusion. It usually happens with coughs and colds and is sometimes referred to as ‘glue ear’.
What needs to be done?
Usually, once the cold is gone, the hearing returns to normal within six to eight weeks. If your child is found to have a hearing loss with middle ear fluid, the audiology department will arrange further appointments.
If the middle ear fluid persists, we may recommend that you see an ENT doctor to discuss grommets.
Temporary hearing aids could be offered, particularly if your child is having considerable difficulty hearing.
What problems may my child have?
Your child will be aware of sound, but it may be unclear and slightly muffled. Listening may be more difficult and your child may appear to daydream, not pay attention or even seem naughty in class.
Children with middle ear fluid often have difficulty hearing in background noise or when spoken to from a distance. Also, locating sounds may be difficult and their hearing may fluctuate so that some days they may appear to hear better than others.
What can I do to help?
If your child is found to have middle ear fluid, ensure they are kept in a smoke free environment, as research has shown that this increases the risk of middle ear effusion.
If the fluid is significantly affecting your child’s hearing:
- Mention this to the school teacher, playgroup or nursery leader so that your child can sit at the front of the class whenever possible
- Get your child’s attention before speaking, so they are facing you at short distance and speak in a normal voice
- Your child may get frustrated if he/she does not hear or understand when someone speaks to them. People will have to be patient and be prepared to repeat themselves
Contact information
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We are an accredited UKAS Service 8172 - in accordance with the UKAS schedule of accreditation that can be found at
https://www.ukas.com/wp-content/uploads/schedule_uploads/ 00009/8172IQIPS-2.pdf
For further information see:
https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services - Audiology
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Contact us
Rochdale Audiology
Audiology Department, Floor One, Nye Bevan House, Maclure Road, Rochdale, OL11 1DN
Tel: 01706 674 913
SMS (Mobile text) available if required, please ask.
Email: NESaudiology@nca.nhs.uk
Oldham Audiology
Audiology Department, Fourth Floor, Integrated Care Centre, New Radcliffe Street, Oldham, OL1 1NL
Tel: 01706 674 913
Email: NESaudiology@nca.nhs.uk
Bury Audiology
Audiology Department, Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, Church Street West, Radcliffe, Bury, Lancashire, M26 2SP
Tel: 01706 674 913
Email: NESaudiology@nca.nhs.uk
Date of Review: July 2023
Date of Next Review: July 2025
Ref No: PI_M_1774 (HMR)