Glue ear is a common childhood condition. It can cause a temporary and variable hearing loss which, if present over a prolonged period of time, may affect your child’s speech, behaviour and learning.
Many children will grow out of glue ear by 11 years of age, but a small number will continue with the condition through their teenage years. In some cases, glue ear can develop unnoticed and is not always associated with pain or ear infections. If unrecognised, your child may be labelled as difficult or naughty.
Think of glue ear if the child:
- mishears or ignores people
- has problems with listening or concentration, especially in background noise
- shows a change of behaviour
- has speech problems
- is experiencing difficulties in school or nursery
- has problems with their balance or is clumsy
- has frequent colds or ear infections
What is glue ear?
The middle ear is the space behind the ear drum. It is normally filled with air and sound can pass freely through it to the inner ear (cochlea). Sometimes, due to problems in the eustachian tube, the middle ear space becomes filled with fluid (catarrh) and the hearing is muffled. A mild hearing loss of 20dB can be compared to hearing with your index fingers in your ears. A moderate conductive loss of 40dB associated with glue ear may mean that the child misses up to 50% of class teaching and discussions, especially in background noise.
How to help the child with ‘glue ear’ – communication tips
- Make sure that you have the child’s attention before starting a conversation.
- Speak clearly, naturally and at a normal pace.
- Speak one at a time.
- Name the speaker so the child knows who is going to speak. Repeat contributions if necessary.
- Background noise should be minimised. Use carpets, curtains/blinds and wall coverings to dampen noise. Keep classroom door and windows closed.
- Write instructions on board and/or use visual clues, pictures, symbols, visual timetables, etc
- Phonics can be difficult to learn. Children may need additional visual and other support.
- A soundfield system will improve the listening environment for all by providing ‘surround sound’ throughout the classroom.
- Rooms need to be well lit and be careful not to stand in front of a light source. Children need to see facial expressions and lip patterns.
- Always check that the child has heard and understood.
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Please contact your Teacher of the Deaf for more information.