Glue ear is a condition where fluid builds up in the middle part of the ear canal, causing symptoms such as hearing and balance problems. Although more common in children, adults can be affected, too. Find out more, plus what treatments can help you.
Glue ear – what causes it and when to see a doctor
10th September, 2025 • 3 min read
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Medically reviewed
Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion (OME), happens due to a build-up of fluid in your middle ear, the space behind the eardrum.
The condition is more common in children but also affects adults, although it is not as common. It can often happen after a cold or ear infection and can affect both ears or just 1.
Symptoms include muffled hearing and can even result in other issues, such as sleep and balance problems.
Glue ear normally gets better within 3 months, but treatments are available if the problem doesn’t go away.
What are the symptoms of glue ear?
The main symptom is difficulty hearing in both ears or just 1. Other signs include:
- a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
- balance problems or clumsiness
- ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear (tinnitus)
- pain in the ear or discomfort
- sleep problems.
When to get urgent help
Get urgent medical help if you have bad ear pain and you:
- feel really unwell
- have a fever (high temperature) or are hot and shivery
- notice swelling around your ear
- have fluid coming out of your ear
- have a change in your hearing or hearing loss
- fluid is leaking from your ear.
What causes glue ear?
You may get glue ear after having a cold or an infection of your ear, nose, or sinuses.
Your eustachian tube connects your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat, allowing air to come into the middle ear and letting fluid drain out.
But if this tube becomes blocked, for example from mucus caused by an infection, then fluid in your ear builds up and can become sticky like glue, affecting your hearing.
In rare cases, the eustachian tube can be blocked by extra tissue at the back of the nose.
When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed
Go back to the section When to get urgent help to see which symptoms need immediate medical attention.
Otherwise, see a doctor if you have symptoms of glue ear, especially if it’s just on 1 side.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your ear with an otoscope to look for fluid in the ear.
You may be referred for tests such as a hearing test to check the cause, and a tympanometry test, to measure how well your eardrums move in response to sound.
What are the treatments for glue ear?
Many cases of glue ear clear up on their own within 3 months and treatment is not always needed. If it is, this may include:
- regular check-ups to see if glue ear improves
- antibiotics – if caused by a bacterial ear infection
- autoinflation – to help fluid in the ear drain. It’s done by blowing into a special balloon through the nose to open the ear tubes or swallowing while holding your nostrils closed
- temporary hearing aids
- grommets (ear tubes) – small tubes inserted in the eardrum to let fluid drain
- adenoidectomy – surgery to remove enlarged adenoids (glands at the back of the nose) if they are causing problems.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.