What is glue ear?

The medical term for glue ear is:

Your child might….

• not answer when called;
• give the wrong answer to a question;
• find it harder to hear in noisy places, e.g. at nursery, in the park or in noisy traffic;
• turn up the volume on the TV;
• show delayed language development or have unclear speech;
• become tired or frustrated easily;
• not concentrate well;
• prefer to play alone;
• have recurrent ear infections.

BUT…..

Sometimes there are no obvious problems or warning signs and the glue ear is picked up at a routine hearing test.

• Reduce any background noise.
• Be face to face as much as possible and make sure your child looks at you.
• Slow down your speech so that your child has extra time to tune in.
• Get your child’s attention before you speak to them by calling their name or touching
  them gently.
• If your child says something inaccurately, repeat it back to them clearly rather than
  correcting them.
• Give your child lots of nonverbal clues such as pointing and gesture.
• At school, it will help to sit nearer the teacher in the classroom. Small group work and quiet corners are also helpful.

What should I do if I am worried about my child’s hearing?

• Contact your local Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department.
• Talk to your child’s Speech and Language Therapist.
• Talk to your child’s teachers so that they can find the best ways
  to help your child in school.