Otitis Media with EFFUSION (glue eaR)

Otitis media with effusion (OME) — commonly known as glue ear — is a condition where fluid collects behind the eardrum, affecting hearing. It is one of the most common causes of hearing problems in children but can also affect adults.

What is glue ear?

In a healthy ear, the middle ear space behind the eardrum is filled with air, allowing sound to pass through efficiently. In glue ear, the Eustachian tube — which helps ventilate the ear — becomes blocked or does not function properly. This causes fluid to collect, which impairs hearing. It is not an infection, although it can sometimes follow one. 

Glue ear can cause:

• Hearing loss – often fluctuating and worse during colds
• Speech delay – especially in children
• Inattention or mishearing
• Balance problems
• Ear discomfort or popping sensations

In children, symptoms are often subtle and may only be noticed through behaviour changes or difficulty at school. In adults it may manifest as increased listening effort and difficulty hearing in complex listening environment.

Diagnosis

Mr Patel uses a combination of:

• Microscopic examination of the ear
• Tympanometry – to measure middle ear pressure
• Audiometry – hearing tests appropriate to age

These assessments can usually be done in a single outpatient visit.

Grommets are tiny ventilation tubes inserted into the eardrum to allow air into the middle ear and prevent fluid from building up. This simple procedure:

• Restores hearing quickly
• Reduces infections
• Improves quality of life, attention, and speech development

When are Grommets Needed?

Most cases of glue ear resolve naturally within three months. Grommet insertion (ventilation tube surgery) is considered if:

• Hearing loss is persistent (usually longer than 3 months)
• There is associated speech delay, poor school performance, or imbalance
• The patient experiences recurrent ear infections

The procedure

• Grommet insertion is a short day-case procedure. In adults it can be performed on the same day as your review with local anaesthesia. For children, a brief general anaesthetic is preferred.
• For patients undergoing grommets under local anaesthesia the average pain score is reported as 2/10
• The procedure in either case usually takes less than 15 minutes
• The patient goes home the same day and can return to nursery or school within 24–48 hours

Aftercare

• Grommets usually fall out spontaneously after 6 to 12 months
• Hearing often improves within a day
• Water precautions may be recommended depending on the type of grommet and the child’s activities
• Follow-up hearing tests are arranged to monitor progress

Glue ear causes a temporary but reversible form of hearing loss. In children, this can have a significant impact on their access to language, learning, and social development. In adults, even mild hearing loss can interfere with professional communication and social connection.

Mr Patel’s philosophy is centred on early diagnosis and prompt intervention to minimise the negative effects of this hearing loss. For eligible patients, this means:

• Same-day diagnosis with high-quality hearing testing
• Same-day grommet placement in adults, performed in-office under local anaesthesia
• Rapid access to theatre slots for children requiring grommets, minimising disruption to development, school, and family life

By treating glue ear promptly, Mr Patel helps restore hearing quickly — often within 24 hours — allowing children to re-engage with sound and adults to reconnect with their world.

What sets Mr Patel’s practice apart is the ability to deliver streamlined, end-to-end care — from diagnosis to treatment — often within the same day.

This includes:

• Integrated hearing assessments for both children and adults during the initial consultation
• In-office grommet placement under local anaesthetic for selected adults, avoiding the need for general anaesthesia or hospital admission
• Close collaboration with paediatric anaesthetists and theatre teams to expedite surgery when needed
• Tailored follow-up care, including repeat audiometry and support with school or work adjustments where required

This responsive, patient-centred model ensures that treatment is not delayed, and that every effort is made to restore hearing and confidence as swiftly and safely as possible.