Ear, nose and throat
Medicines for Glue ear
A build-up of fluid in the middle ear, common in young children, that can dull hearing — usually clearing on its own, with treatment for persistent cases.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Glue ear?
Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is a very common condition, especially in young children, in which the middle ear — the space behind the eardrum — fills with a thick, sticky fluid. This can dull hearing, as the fluid stops the eardrum and the tiny ear bones moving freely.
- How it is treated: Because most glue ear clears on its own, the usual first approach is a period of watchful waiting (often around three months), with the hearing rechecked, as many children improve without any treatment.
- Self-care: During watchful waiting, helping with hearing and communication (speaking clearly, facing the child, reducing background noise, informing school), and avoiding tobacco smoke (which increases the risk), all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP if a child seems to have reduced hearing, is inattentive, or has speech or language delay, or if you are concerned.
What it is
Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is a very common condition, especially in young children, in which the middle ear — the space behind the eardrum — fills with a thick, sticky fluid. This can dull hearing, as the fluid stops the eardrum and the tiny ear bones moving freely. Unlike an ear infection, it is often not painful. The main sign is reduced hearing, which in children can show as not responding when spoken to, turning up the TV, difficulty in noisy places, being inattentive, or delays in speech and language. It often follows a cold or ear infection and is linked to the immature drainage of young children's ears, which is why it is so common and usually improves as they grow. Most cases clear up on their own within a few months.
How it is treated
Because most glue ear clears on its own, the usual first approach is a period of watchful waiting (often around three months), with the hearing rechecked, as many children improve without any treatment. During this time, strategies to help with hearing and communication — such as speaking clearly, reducing background noise, and letting the school know — are helpful. If glue ear persists and is affecting a child's hearing, speech, language or development, treatment is considered. This may include the insertion of tiny tubes (grommets) into the eardrum to drain the fluid and let air in, which restores hearing while they are in place, and sometimes other measures. Hearing aids are an alternative in some situations. In adults, persistent glue ear on one side is checked to exclude other causes. Care is guided by the impact on the child and the response over time.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Glue ear
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
During watchful waiting, helping with hearing and communication (speaking clearly, facing the child, reducing background noise, informing school), and avoiding tobacco smoke (which increases the risk), all help. Most cases resolve on their own.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if a child seems to have reduced hearing, is inattentive, or has speech or language delay, or if you are concerned. In adults, persistent glue ear on one side, especially with other symptoms, should be assessed.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Glue ear: frequently asked questions
Does glue ear go away on its own?
Yes, most cases clear up on their own within a few months, which is why a period of watchful waiting is usual. Treatment such as grommets is considered if it persists and affects a child's hearing or development.
Is glue ear painful?
Usually not — unlike an ear infection, glue ear is often painless. The main sign is dulled hearing, which in children can show as inattention, turning up the TV, or speech and language delays.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE — Otitis media with effusion
- NHS — Glue ear
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.