FAQs

Glue ear means that the middle ear is filled with fluid that looks like glue. It can affect one or both ears. The fluid dampens the vibrations of the eardrum and ossicles made by the sound waves. The cochlea receives dampened vibrations, and so the 'volume' of the hearing is 'turned down'. Glue ear usually occurs in young children, but it can develop at any age. See What is Glue Ear?

It is quite common. In the United Kingdom 1,000,000 children are diagnosed with Otitis Media (ear problems) annually. About 200,000 of such children have glue ear. More than 7 in 10 children have at least one episode of glue ear before they are 4 years old. In most cases it only lasts a short while. Boys are more commonly affected than girls. It is more common in children who:

• live in homes where people smoke
• were bottle fed rather than breast fed
• have frequent coughs, colds, or ear infections
• have a brother or sister who had glue ear

The main symptoms associated with glue ear is a dullness of hearing. Pain is not usually associated with glue ear, however it is possible to feel a mild discomfort or stuffiness in the ear. See What is Glue Ear? for more symptoms information.

Your child will probably be suffering with dulled hearing so talk clearly and more loudly than usual and always try to get their attention before starting a conversation so that they are able to look at you directly when you speak. Also do not allow anybody in the same house to smoke around your child.

The main cause is probably due to the Eustachian tube not working properly. The balance of fluid and air in the middle ear may become altered if the Eustachian tube is narrow, blocked, or does not open properly. Air in the middle ear may gradually pass into the nearby cells if it is not replaced by air coming up the Eustachian tube. A vacuum may then develop in the middle ear. This may cause fluid to seep into the middle ear from the nearby cells. Some children develop glue ear after a cough, cold, or ear infection when extra mucus is made. The mucus may build up in the middle ear and not drain well down the Eustachian tube. However, in many cases glue ear does not begin with an ear infection. See What is Glue Ear? for more information on causes.

The cause of glue ear is not fully understood, and there is no way of preventing most cases. However, the risk of developing glue ear is less in children who live in homes free of cigarette smoke, and who are breast fed. Avoiding use of dummies also reduces the risk.

If you think your child may be suffering from glue ear, the first thing you should do is visit your nearest GP who will be able to do a full examination of your child’s ear drum to ensure there is no infection in the ear. Typically, if glue ear has been diagnosed, you will be asked to return in a month to see if the condition has improved. This is called the ‘watchful waiting’ period.

No, you should not use a normal balloon. The Otovent inflation device is a precision medical instrument that is designed to apply a specific pressure to the Eustation tubes. If you use a normal balloon it may apply too little pressure and won’t work, or too much pressure and cause damage.

Otovent is currently only sold as a complete kit containing the applicator and five inflation devices.

No. The Otovent has under gone extensive testing and clinical trials to ensure that it is 100% safe to use.

It should not be used whilst suffering from a bad cold or nasal congestion.

Like anything that is new some children find using the Otovent device overwhelming at first. We suggest that parents try the device first so that they can demonstrate to their child that it is safe and experience the sensation of pressure on the Eustachian tubes. Your child may experience "clicking" or feel movement in their ears. This is a sign that the Otovent device is working and the "glue" is moving.

You can try stretching the inflation device to help them get started. If they are still unable to inflate the device you can inflate it for them.

Yes. You may use the Otovent on an airplane with complete confidence. It should be used as normal when your child feels the pressure in their ears. Otovent has also undergone clinical trials which prove it is effective for treating some ear problems caused by flying.

The Otovent applies pressure to the Eustachian tube that connects the inner ear with the back of the throat. When air travels through the Eustachian tube it equalizes the pressure behind the eardrum with the pressure outside. This causes a popping sensation similar to that you experience when ascending or descending in an aeroplane. If you are suffering from glue ear you will feel the "glue" move. This is as a result of it starting to drain away and is a sign the Otovent is working.

The Otovent inflation devices are made of natural latex and they stretch as they are used (max 20 inflations per device). Each device should last for three to four days.

Yes. It is available on prescription from your healthcare provider.

The clinical data showing the effectiveness of Otovent shows that it works in 64% of the more severe cases (hospital cases) where the course of treatment is correctly carried out. It is likely (but as yet unknown) that the rates of cure will be even higher when applied earlier e.g. in primary care (at the GPs / nurses practice), but it is just as important to complete the course correctly for good results.

Otovent is available on prescription from your health care professional or over the counter at your local chemist. If the do not have it in stock they can order it in within 24 hours.

If you have a prescription for a child less than 16 years of age it is free on the NHS. Over the counter the RRP is £6.97.

Otovent is best used three times a day (morning, midday or after school, and evening) or at least twice a day (morning and evening) if that is not possible. The manufacturers recommend initial treatment for two to four weeks after which your GP practice should decide whether or not you should continue treatment.

Otovent has been available in the UK since 1993 and gained prescription status in 2001.

See section of this website for health professionals.

Adults and co-operative children some as young as three years of age can use Otovent.

Otovent is available over the counter, is very safe, and there is no reason that some families shouldn’t use the device if they wish to, but it is much more likely to be effective if the condition is assessed properly by the health service and individual support is given. Clinical recommendations for glue ear include active monitoring for three months as many children with this very common condition get better themselves without any treatment. Therefore, at the moment, it is best to seek advice based on individual assessment of your child by the GP or practice nurse on how long to wait before trying this treatment. Hopefully research will resolve this important question in the not too distant future. Ideally it should be applied at a stage where your child has sufficient ear related problems (not just fluid in the ears because this is very common) to make treatment worthwhile.