Other treatments

For most children, the middle ear fluid should clear up in 3 months and watchful waiting is the best management strategy.  

Non-surgical treatments

Medical treatments like antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroids are sometimes given to children with glue ear, but there is no evidence that they are effective and some of them have unwanted side effects.

Alternative and complementary therapies like osteopathy, chiropractic and homeopathy are not currently recommended for glue ear as there is not enough evidence that they work.

Temporary hearing aids are an option for some children with hearing difficulties associated with glue ear.  They can help children distinguish between background noise, such as general classroom sounds, and foreground noise such as conversation and the teacher speaking. 

• You can find more information about hearing aids from the National Deaf Children Society (NDCS website) or speak to your child's healthcare provider.

Surgical treatments

If your child has long term problems with hearing loss in both ears, and there are concerns that your child has behavioural /educational problems or speech and language delay they may be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to discuss surgical options (grommet surgery).