Children's ENT Resources

Signs Your Child May Have Glue Ear

• Difficulty hearing - not responding when called
• Turning up the TV or sitting close to it
• Asking "what?" frequently
• Speech and language delay
• Problems at school with listening
• Sometimes behavioural changes

What Causes Glue Ear?

The Eustachian tube (connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose) doesn't work properly, so fluid builds up. It's very common - about 80% of children will have glue ear at some point, usually between ages 2-5.

Will It Get Better?

Yes - most cases (about 90%) resolve on their own within 3 months. We usually recommend a "watch and wait" approach first. If glue ear persists and causes significant hearing problems, treatment options include:

• Hearing aids - temporary solution while waiting for natural resolution
• Grommets (ventilation tubes) - small tubes placed in the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear
• Adenoid removal - sometimes recommended alongside grommets

How Do Grommets Work?

Grommets allow air into the middle ear and let fluid drain out. This improves hearing and reduces ear infections. The operation takes about 10-15 minutes under general anaesthetic.

What to Expect After Surgery

• Most children go home the same day
• Hearing usually improves immediately
• Your child can return to school within 1-2 days
• Some ear discharge is normal for a few days

Water Precautions

Most children with grommets can swim and bathe normally. We advise avoiding diving and keeping soapy water out of the ears. We'll give you specific advice for your child.

How Long Do Grommets Last?

Grommets usually fall out naturally after 6-18 months as the eardrum heals. Some children need a second set if glue ear returns.

Signs of an Ear Infection

• Earache (younger children may pull at their ear)
• Fever
• Irritability and crying
• Difficulty sleeping
• Reduced hearing
• Sometimes discharge if the eardrum bursts (this usually heals)

Treatment

Most ear infections are caused by viruses and get better without antibiotics within 2-3 days. You can help your child with:

• Pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen - check dosage for age)
• Plenty of fluids
• Rest
• A warm cloth held against the ear may soothe pain

When to See a Doctor

• Your child is under 2 years old
• Symptoms don't improve after 2-3 days
• High fever or your child seems very unwell
• Discharge from the ear
• Recurrent ear infections (4+ per year)

Signs of Hearing Difficulty

• Not responding when called (especially from behind)
• Delayed speech or unclear speech
• Needing the TV volume louder than others
• Watching faces intently (to lip-read)
• Difficulty at school - not following instructions
• Speaking loudly

What to Do

Speak to your health visitor, GP, or school nurse. Your child can be referred for a hearing test. Children of all ages can have their hearing tested using age-appropriate methods.

Symptoms

• Sore throat
• Difficulty or pain swallowing
• Fever
• Red, swollen tonsils (may have white spots)
• Swollen neck glands
• Bad breath
• Headache, tummy ache

Treatment at Home

• Pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Plenty of fluids - cold drinks and ice lollies can help
• Soft foods if swallowing is painful
• Rest

Most tonsillitis is viral and gets better within a week. Antibiotics are only needed for bacterial tonsillitis.

When Is Tonsillectomy Considered?

• 7+ documented episodes in the past year, or
• 5+ episodes per year for 2 years, or
• 3+ episodes per year for 3 years
• Tonsils causing breathing problems during sleep

Before the Operation

• Pre-assessment to ensure your child is well enough
• Your child will need to fast (no food or drink) before the anaesthetic
• Bring comfort items for recovery

Recovery

• Most children go home the same day
• Sore throat for 7-14 days - this is normal
• Regular pain relief is important (we'll give you a schedule)
• Encourage eating and drinking - normal diet is fine
• Bad breath is common during healing
• White patches in the throat are normal (not infection)
• Most children need 1-2 weeks off school

Signs of Tongue Tie

• Difficulty breastfeeding (poor latch, nipple pain)
• Unable to stick the tongue out past the lips
• The tongue tip may look heart-shaped when extended
• Difficulty lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth
• Speech difficulties (in older children)

Does It Need Treatment?

Not all tongue ties cause problems. Treatment is usually only recommended if there are feeding difficulties in babies or speech problems in older children. The procedure to release the tongue tie is quick and usually straightforward.