Serous otitis media is known as glue ear. Children aged between six months and two years of age are most vulnerable to this type of ear infection. Glue ear commonly develops after a middle ear infection, and is characterized by the build-up of fluid and pus within the middle ear. Treatment options include antibiotics.

If antibiotics fail, or if the child is plagued by repeated attacks of glue ear, surgery to insert small drainage tubes (grommets) may be needed.

 

 

What are grommets?

Grommets are tiny tubes that are put inside the eardrums by a doctor.

Grommets are needed if there is a lot of thick, sticky fluid in the middle ear.

This is called ‘glue ear’.

Glue ear occurs when the liquid inside your ear becomes thick.

This is often due to repeated ear infections. Glue ear can affect your:

hearing, speech and learning. If you think you or your child might have

glue ear, see your doctor. Grommets can be made of plastic or metal.

They let air go into the middle ear. They also help thick fluid to drain away

down the back of the nose and throat. They don’t hurt.

Grommets are sometimes also called tympanostomy tubes or ventilation tubes.