What is Glue Ear?

"Otitis Media" means there is inflammation and fluid behind the eardrum in the middle ear. The type of fluid varies, and thus there is a spectrum of disease from "Acute Otitis Media" through to " Glue Ear" (sometimes called Otitis Media with Effusion).

When the eardrum is red and bulging, with fluid or pus behind the eardrum, often associated with pain and fever, this is called "acute otitis media".

"Glue Ear" often follows "Acute Otitis Media", or may occur on its own. Fluid is present behind the eardrum, but there is no fever, and the eardrum is not inflamed or bulging. In some instances, the eardrum is actually retracted inwards to varying degrees.