What is Glue Ear?
Glue Ear happens when the middle part of your ear fills up with a thick, sticky fluid that doesn’t go away. The longer the fluid stays, the thicker it gets, which is why we call it “Glue Ear.”
What causes Glue Ear?
Inside your ear, there’s a small tube called the Eustachian tube. This tube connects the space behind your eardrum to the back of your nose and throat.
Usually, fluid drains out through this tube. But if you have a cold, the flu, or an ear infection, this tube can swell and get blocked, trapping fluid inside your ear.
How did I get a Glue Ear?
Glue Ear can happen after a cold, flu, or ear infection, especially if there’s nowhere for the fluid to go. It’s more common in kids under 8 because their tubes are smaller and easier to block. Some people have a higher chance of getting Glue Ear, like those who:
- Keep getting colds and flus.
- Were born with a cleft palate.
- Have Down syndrome.
- Live with people who smoke.
- Are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.