How to Get Rid of Glue Ear
Ear wax is normal among people, but when you think it's already to excessive, and you start feeling other sensation, like loss of hearing or pain, you might have another ear condition, known as glue ear. This ailment occurs when fluid builds up behind the ear drum, and although it goes away on its own, you can also get rid of it with some easy methods.
What Is Glue Ear?
Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion (OME), cloudy ear drum or fluid in the ear, is a condition where your middle ear is filled with fluid instead of being filled with air. The exact cause of glue ear is not yet known, although many doctors believed it's because of an improperly functioning auditory tube. In most cases, only one ear is affected, although there are instances where both ears become clouded. As the middle ear's density changes, going from low to high, vibrations made by the sound is saved in the ear drum and the bones are dampened. This results in low volume signals received by the cochlea.
Glue ear is common among children, although there are also adults that get this condition. Some risk factors for this condition are:
· Second-hand smoke. If you live in a place where people smoke, then you might get glue ear. · Genetics. Some people, who have parents or siblings who get glue ear, also become more prone to getting this ailment. · Recurring cold and cough. · Children who are bottle fed and not breast fed.
Glue ear has several symptoms:
· Pain. It isn't very common, but some children experience mild ear ache from time to time.
· Dulled hearing. The affected person becomes mildly or severely deaf. If it occurs in children and persists, it can affect his or her normal intellectual development.
· Behavioral problems in children. One example is slower speech development.
Glue ear isn't dangerous, but it can be very uncomfortable and annoying. To get rid of it, here are several tips you can try.
Wait and See
Because glue ear is not a life-threatening condition and because half of all cases usually clear up on their own, many doctors will ask patients to wait three months before seeking treatment. While antibiotics were often prescribed to those with the condition in the past, they are no longer the standard treatment. Instead, a wait-and-see approach is the recommended approach most practitioners take. To treat glue ear at home, wait a few weeks (and no more than three months) to see if the condition clears up on its own. If the condition persists, the patient should seek treatment from a physician.
Decongestants
In order to help open the eustachian tubes, purchase decongestants appropriate for the patient's age and condition. Decongestants can help the tubes to open, which can allow the ear to drain properly, thus curing the condition. Ordinary over-the-counter decongestants are useful for opening the eustachian tubes. Follow the instructions and dosing on the package to treat the patient correctly and safely.
Antihistamines
If the patient also suffers from seasonal allergies, an antihistamine can help rid the ears of the swelling that causes the fluid to accumulate in the ear. Over-the-counter antihistamines work well; be sure to read package directions for proper dosing.
Using Otovent
Otovent is a small balloon which the child blows up using their nose. Otovent equalises the pressure and relieves the symptoms in the middle ear. The act of blowing up the balloon helps to open up the Eustachian tube, making it easier for fluid to drain from the middle ear. Otovent is best used three times a day (morning, midday or after school, and evening), or at least twice a day (morning and evening) if that is not possible, until all the fluid has been drained away. You will often start to see results as early as a few days into using the Otovent.
Undergoing Myringotomy
This procedure is used to drain the fluid from the middle ear. It works by making a small incision in the eardrum. So the fluid will drain. Recovery may take about a week or two, so the ear drum will properly heal. If the doctor thinks this is the best possible remedy, then you should already undergo this treatment. It can be expensive, but the relief will be worth it.
Inserting Ear Tubes
If the doctor thinks it's necessary, myringotomy might be performed so small tympanostomy tubes or grommets are inserted in the ear drum.
It is presently the most common effective treatment for glue ear. It is an effective method of treating glue ear, but best results are much more likely in children with more severe and prolonged histories. Surgery happens under general anaesthetic and usually takes about 15 minutes. During the procedure, a very small ventilation tube – a grommet - is inserted into your child's ear through a small incision (cut) in their eardrum. The grommet helps to drain away fluid in the middle ear and will also help to maintain the air pressure in the middle ear cavity. Your child should be allowed to go home the same day.
A grommet helps keep the eardrum open for several months. As the eardrum starts to heal, the grommet will slowly be pushed out of the eardrum and, in most cases, eventually falls out. This process happens naturally and should not be painful. The majority of grommets fall out between 6 to 15 months after they have been inserted and probably 30% of children may need further grommets inserted in order to fully treat the condition.
You should also talk to your surgeon about potential risks and careers that may be prohibited after grommets operation.
Sources:
howtogetridofstuff.com
ehow.com
gluear.co.uk
