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Glue Ear in Adults

Otitis media with effusion, or glue ear, is a medical condition that causes fluid to accumulate in the middle ear when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked. This condition does not always accompany an acute ear infection.

  1. Causes

    • According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, glue ear can develop after a respiratory infection, from an allergy or due to an irritant such as cigarette smoke. Increases in air pressure may also cause this condition to develop.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of glue ear are not always apparent and may include a feeling of ear "fullness" or muffled hearing.

    Treatment

    • Most cases of glue ear clear up on their own without treatment. However, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or ear tubes when glue ear has not cleared up after several weeks.

    Complications

    • People with glue ear may develop a cyst in the middle ear, an acute ear infection or ear damage that can include hearing loss.

    Prevention

    • Glue ear can be prevented by avoiding cigarette smoke and other irritants, washing hands frequently and using air filters to reduce exposure to germs in the air.

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