Glue ear is a common cause of temporary fluctuation in hearing and can affect speech development, behaviour and educational progress. It quite commonly goes unnoticed and behaviour changes can be mistaken for a child being naughty or just not doing as they are told.

Around 80% of children are likely to suffer from glue ear. Most of the time it is temporary but it can persist over a number of months.

Glue ear is a build-up of mucus behind the eardrum in the middle ear cavity. This cavity is usually filled with air to allow the sound to pass through to the hearing organ.

When mucous builds up it reduces the vibration of sound across the middle ear and can result in a loss of hearing. This can make the quieter sounds or speech more difficult to hear and/or understand.

Prevalence

Glue ear is the most common cause of temporary hearing loss in children under the age of five, however it can persist into adolescence.  About 80 per cent of children may suffer from glue ear.

Often glue ear is associated with a heavy cold and will most likely clear up after the cold has cleared.

Symptoms

• glue ear causes a fluctuating reduction in hearing and/or understanding of speech
• children may need verbal instructions repeated and/or may speak loudly because they cannot hear themselves clearly
• glue ear can also result in a number of behavioural changes such as:
• not responding when being called
• not following instructions
• fatigue
• frustration
• reduced concentration and/or attention.

Treatment

Glue ear can resolve on its own after a period of time, or if it’s persistent it can be treated surgically with grommets.

In the classroom

The acoustics of a classroom can have a negative impact on a child’s ability to hear, understand and learn.

Children may need verbal instructions repeated and/or may speak loudly because they cannot hear themselves clearly. A fluctuation of behavioural changes is likely.

How can you help?

• minimise background noise to improve listening conditions for all children, especially those with hearing loss.
• speak at a normal volume and speed.
• ensure the child is seated near you, can clearly see your face, but still has a view of the rest of the class.
• gain the child's attention before giving verbal instructions and ask them to repeat back what was said.
• repeat contributions from classmates to ensure the child hears and understands.
• allow extra time for the child to process and respond.
• be mindful of activities like note-taking, as the child cannot lip-read while performing other tasks.
• write key words on the board and avoid speaking when facing away, as the child will be unable to lip-read.
• ensure your face is well-lit to facilitate lip-reading.
• avoid standing near windows, as this can cast shadows and make lip-reading difficult.