Middle Ear Infections & Glue Ear (otitis media)

What is a middle ear infection & glue ear?

Ear infections occur in both children and adults and commonly involve either the outer or middle parts of the ear (otitis externa or otitis media). 

Otitis media (middle ear infection) often occurs during or after a viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Once the URTI resolves, fluid can remain in the middle ear (middle ear effusion) and can be susceptible to bacterial infection. This can result in pus (acute otitis media) or thick fluid accumulation behind the ear drum (glue ear).

What are the symptoms of middle ear infection & glue ear?

In children this can manifest as high temperatures, hearing loss (& associated speech and language delay), ear pain, perforated ear drum with fluid discharge.

Adult symptoms include; blocked ear, hearing loss, ear discomfort

How do you treat middle ear infection & glue ear?

Oral antibiotics are often required if an infection in the middle ear is suspected. If there is fluid present but no infection, then a hearing test is required to assess the level of hearing loss. Grommets may be indicated if the hearing level is low or a patient is having multiple middle ear infections.