How common is glue ear?

Glue ear is extremely common, especially in children aged between 1 and 6 years, although it can develop at any age. 

• One in five children will be affected by glue ear in the first year of primary school and 80% of children will have at least one episode by the age of 10 years old. 

Children can have glue ear in one or both ears.  

• 40% of children with glue ear will have it in both ears.

Glue ear is just as common in boys as in girls.

It is more common in the winter months when there are lots of coughs and colds.