The bigger picture

Glue ear – or otitis media with effusion (OME) as it is medically known – is incredibly common, affecting up to 80 per cent of children. It most commonly follows an episode of acute otitis media – as is the case for Abshar – although sometimes the cause is not known.

The most common symptom is hearing loss, although this often manifests as problems at school or nursery such as not listening to instructions or a slowdown in speech or language development. Some children also complain of earache or experience a loss of balance and coordination.

In many cases, glue ear gets better without any treatment. However, if there is significant hearing loss or it is having a major impact on behaviour or development, grommets or hearing aids are fitted. Grommets are tiny tubes that are put in the eardrum to help fluid drain and maintain the circulation of air.

The fitting operation is quick and relatively routine, but like all surgery carries an element of risk: ear infection and perforation of the tympanic membrane are the most common. Hearing aids are an alternative for children who cannot or do not want to have surgery and allow them to hear while nature takes it course and the ear heals on its own.