What Is Glue Ear in Adults? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Glue ear, medically known as otitis media with effusion (OME), is a condition often associated with children, yet it can also affect adults. It involves the accumulation of non-infected fluid within the middle ear space. While often temporary and resolving on its own, its presence in adults warrants attention due to distinct underlying causes and symptoms compared to pediatric cases. Recognizing the signs and understanding the factors contributing to its development in adults is important for timely management.
What is Glue Ear
Glue ear occurs when the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum, fills with a sticky, non-infected fluid instead of air. This fluid buildup impedes the normal vibration of the eardrum and the small bones responsible for transmitting sound. The “glue” like consistency of the fluid is why the condition is commonly termed “glue ear.”
The Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, typically maintains air pressure balance and drains fluid. When this tube becomes blocked or inflamed, fluid accumulates. This blockage prevents natural ventilation and drainage, dampening sound waves and resulting in muffled hearing.
Recognizing Symptoms in Adults
Adults with glue ear often report muffled or reduced hearing, which can range from mild to moderate and fluctuate in severity. This impairment may be more noticeable in noisy environments. Many also describe a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear, similar to sensations during altitude changes.
Another frequent symptom is tinnitus, manifesting as ringing, buzzing, or other phantom sounds. While less common than in acute ear infections, some adults might experience mild discomfort or occasional earache. Rarely, balance issues or unsteadiness can also occur due to the fluid affecting the ear’s balance system. Adult symptoms can be more subtle, making self-recognition important.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Glue ear in adults frequently stems from Eustachian tube dysfunction, where the tube fails to open or close properly. This dysfunction can be triggered by upper respiratory infections like colds or sinusitis, which cause inflammation that blocks the tube. Allergies are another contributor, leading to swelling and inflammation in the Eustachian tubes, impeding fluid drainage.
Environmental factors like cigarette smoke exposure can irritate the Eustachian tube lining and increase fluid buildup risk. Structural issues, such as enlarged adenoids or, rarely, a tumor at the back of the nose, can also physically obstruct the Eustachian tube. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has also been associated with an increased risk.
How It’s Diagnosed and Treated
Diagnosing glue ear in adults begins with a detailed medical history and a physical ear examination. A healthcare provider uses an otoscope to inspect the eardrum for fluid buildup and assess its movement. Tympanometry, a key diagnostic test, measures eardrum movement in response to air pressure changes; reduced movement suggests fluid presence. Hearing tests, or audiometry, may also evaluate the extent of hearing loss.
Treatment often starts with “watchful waiting,” as glue ear frequently resolves on its own within a few months, especially if symptoms are mild. If symptoms persist, non-surgical options include nasal steroid sprays to reduce Eustachian tube inflammation or antihistamines for allergies. Autoinflation, blowing into a special balloon through the nose, can help open the Eustachian tube and promote fluid drainage. For persistent or severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. This typically involves a myringotomy, a small incision in the eardrum to drain fluid, followed by inserting tiny tubes called grommets to ventilate the middle ear. Grommets usually remain in place for several months before falling out naturally.
When to Seek Medical Help
Consult a healthcare professional if glue ear symptoms persist for more than a few weeks or are accompanied by severe pain. Prompt medical evaluation is also important if there is any ear discharge, as this could indicate an infection. If symptoms are unilateral or accompanied by other concerning signs, a medical assessment can help rule out serious underlying conditions, such as nasal polyps or, rarely, tumors. While glue ear often resolves without intervention, persistent fluid buildup can lead to chronic hearing difficulties.