Glue ear / otitis media with effusion

Fluid trapped behind the ear drum is called otitis media with effusion, or Glue-ear. This can cause hearing loss and sometimes tinnitus. If infection occurs in the middle ear it can cause pain, and lead to a build-up of pressure and sometimes the ear-drum may burst or perforate. Although more common in childhood, it can occur in adults. Blockage in the back of the nose can sometimes be the cause (large adenoids or postnasal space mass, eustachian-tube dysfunction). Glue-ear can be treated with nasal medication in some cases, but may require a procedure (myringotomy and grommet insertion) to drain the fluid and allow the pressure to equalise. This can be performed in the Duchy hospital under both local and general anaesthetic.