Glue ear is a condition where a sticky substance builds up in the middle ear. It often strikes children once they regularly attend playgroups or nurseries. Although most cases clear up on their own, some have to be treated with antibiotics or surgery to insert grommets.
Research into the cause of glue ear is underway. Scientists are investigating the theory that glue ear is caused by stomach juices coming up into the throat and reaching the middle ear via the Eustachian tube. They're also looking at the theory that bacteria in the glue causes nerve damage, leading to deafness.
‘We're confident we'll be able to develop a non-surgical treatment for glue-ear,' says Vivienne Michael, chief executive of Deafness Research UK.
For an information pack on glue ear, call 0808 808 2222 or visit www.deafnessresearch.org.uk.
For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk.
