Glue ear – should my son have grommets?

Glue ear is a term used to describe an accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum, in the middle ear cavity, causing some hearing difficulty. This most often develops following a cold or an ear infection. Many children only have symptoms for a few weeks, and the fluid drains away gradually down the Eustachian tube, to the back of the nose. But the problem may become persistent or severe in some children, (about 1 in 20 cases last for a year or more), and it is in these cases that grommets are considered.

A tiny cut is made in the eardrum, the fluid is drained off, and the grommet is put into the eardrum to continue to let air into the middle ear. Hearing improves immediately following the operation. This is a safe procedure with few problems.

The grommets don't have to be removed surgically. They normally fall out, into the outer ear canal within 6-12 months. By this time, the glue ear has often completely settled. The eardrum heals quickly once the grommet has fallen out. Sometimes they fall out quite quickly, and for those children, they are of very limited value. This is what the registrar was referring to when he said there was a chance it wouldn't work.

Dr Chris Brown