Glue ear: fluid behind the eardrum
Glue ear is a build-up of sticky fluid in the middle ear. It muffles hearing but is usually painless, and it often clears on its own within about three months. It is most common in young children, but adults get it too.
Fluid where there should be air.
The middle ear, behind the eardrum, is normally filled with air, which lets the eardrum and the tiny bones behind it vibrate freely. Glue ear, known medically as otitis media with effusion, is when that space fills with fluid. The fluid can be thin and watery, or thick and sticky like glue.
With fluid in the way, the eardrum cannot move properly, so sound is dampened. The result is a conductive hearing loss: sounds are muffled, as if your ears are blocked, but there is usually little or no pain. It often affects both ears in children, and is more often one-sided in adults.
Most cases clear on their own. We see adults only. For children, your GP or health visitor can refer to NHS paediatric audiology.
Usually linked to Eustachian tube problems. Glue ear in one ear that does not clear should always be checked by a GP.
Signs of glue ear.
In adults. Tick any that sound like you.
A full hearing test shows how much the fluid is affecting your hearing. If we see signs of glue ear, we write to your GP, particularly if only one ear is affected.
Why glue ear happens.
It almost always comes down to the Eustachian tube not draining the middle ear properly.
Swelling blocks the Eustachian tube, so fluid builds up and cannot drain. Often follows a middle ear infection.
Read about Eustachian tube dysfunctionChildren's Eustachian tubes are shorter and more level than adults', and their adenoids are larger, so they drain less easily.
Ongoing swelling at the back of the nose keeps the tubes blocked.
Pressure changes can draw fluid into the middle ear.
Smoke irritates the lining of the nose and tubes. It is a known risk factor in children.
Rarely in adults, a growth at the back of the nose. This is why one-sided glue ear in an adult should always be examined by a doctor.
Hearing tests and support for adults.
We see adults only. For children, your GP or health visitor can refer you to the local NHS paediatric audiology service.
We look at the eardrum and test your hearing, so you know how much the fluid is affecting it.
If we see signs of glue ear, especially in one ear, we write to your GP with our findings and recommend a review.
If glue ear is long-lasting and is affecting your life, hearing aids can help while it is being treated.
Once it has cleared, a repeat hearing test confirms your hearing is back to normal.
How glue ear is treated.
Most cases need nothing more than time.
Many cases clear by themselves within about three months, so a period of monitoring usually comes first.
A nasal balloon, inflated through the nose, helps open the Eustachian tube and let air back into the middle ear.
If glue ear lasts and affects everyday hearing, hearing aids can bridge the gap while it clears.
Tiny tubes placed in the eardrum by an ENT surgeon let air in and fluid drain. Usually only if glue ear is long-lasting.
See a GP if
- Glue ear affects one ear only and has not cleared within a few weeks
- You have ear pain with a high temperature, or discharge
- Your hearing drops suddenly
- A child's hearing problems are affecting their speech, learning or behaviour
Sudden hearing loss is a different condition and needs medical care the same day.
Frequently asked questions.
Yes, although it is much more common in children. In adults it usually follows a cold, sinus infection or flight, and is linked to Eustachian tube problems. One-sided glue ear in an adult should always be checked by a GP.
Many cases clear by themselves within about three months. If it lasts longer, or is affecting hearing a lot, treatments such as hearing aids or grommets may be considered.
Usually not. The hearing loss is caused by fluid, so hearing normally returns once it clears. Long-standing glue ear should still be monitored.
We currently see adults only. For children, your GP or health visitor can refer you to the local NHS paediatric audiology service.
Usually not, or only mildly. If there is significant pain or a temperature, it is more likely to be an infection.
Check how your hearing is affected.
Adult hearing tests, free in our Birmingham clinic or £50 at home.
Eustachian tube dysfunctionEar infectionsConductive hearing lossBlocked earsHearing tests
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.