Serous otitis media, also called otitis media with effusion (OME) or glue ear, is a condition where fluid builds up in the middle ear. It usually happens after an ear infection, but it can also be caused by allergies or Eustachian tube dysfunction. It is most common in children, due to their Eustachian tubes being shorter and positioned more horizontally than those in adults.1
According to the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, OME is the most common cause of acquired hearing loss in childhood.2 However, adults can also develop it and will experience the same symptoms as children.
The most common symptom of fluid buildup in the ear is hearing loss in the affected ear. Sounds may be muffled or quieter than usual —which may manifest in the affected person seeming like they aren’t listening, asking others to repeat themselves or talking louder than usual. Children experiencing hearing loss may have noticeable speech impairment or delays. Other symptoms in children and adults may include:
Fluid buildup will often go away on its own. However, if it doesn’t clear up by itself, there are a few treatment methods a doctor may recommend:
Ear tubes are tiny tubes, or cylinder-shaped objects, that are inserted into the eardrums. They allow fluid to drain from the middle ear and for air to pass through, which helps when your eardrum is blocked. These can be placed in both children and adults, but they tend to be more common in children. Ear tubes are commonly used to treat fluid buildup, or serous otitis media (SOM), and can also be used to help prevent recurring middle ear infections.
PE tubes look like tiny tubes that are hollow in the center. They are usually made of plastic or metal. They are placed in the eardrum, so they are not visible after being inserted.
Ear tubes are typically recommended when SOM is not resolving by itself or when ear infections are recurring, especially in children. Most times, short-term ear tubes are recommended. Other times, people may get long-term ear tubes that can stay in place for years.
Ear tubes are placed via surgery. Usually, it is performed under general anesthesia, but it may also be performed under local anesthesia for adults having this procedure. During this surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision in the eardrum and drain any fluid that has built up. This is called a myringotomy. They will then place the ear tube in the hole. This is called a tympanostomy.
Ear tube surgery is very common—in fact, it is the most common surgery among U.S. children.3 As with any type of surgery, though, there can be some risks when getting ear tubes placed. It’s possible that the ear feels blocked after this surgery. When this is the case, ear drops may be recommended to help eliminate the blockage.
Ear infection after surgery can also happen, which will usually require a visit to the doctor for proper treatment. It’s important to note that a small amount of discharge from the ear after placing ear tubes is common, especially in children, ranging from 25% to 75% of all children who get ear tubes placed.4 However, if the discharge continues or is accompanied by severe pain, be sure to see your doctor. This could be a sign of infection.
An ear tube procedure is very quick. It typically only takes around 15 minutes. It is an outpatient surgery, so you will return home the same day. Usually, you will be monitored for an hour or so following the surgery to be sure you’re not experiencing any immediate issues.
After surgery, recovery is fairly quick for ear tubes in adults. Recovery time is similar for children. There may be temporary side effects from the anesthesia or mild pain in the ears initially. Most children and adults can safely return to school or work the day after their surgery.
It’s important to follow any instructions given by your doctor after having ear tubes placed. Do not use cotton swabs to clean your ears or remove wax. Your doctor may recommend you wait a certain amount of time after surgery before getting your ears wet. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend that you take precautions when swimming by wearing earplugs and a swimming cap.
Short-term ear tubes will naturally fall out by themselves anywhere between 6-18 months after being placed. Ear tubes falling out is normal, and the hole in the eardrum will heal after they have fallen out. However, if your ear tube falls out sooner than 6 months or is in for longer than 18 months, you should visit your doctor. Long-term ear tubes may also require another procedure to be removed. Your doctor will provide you with this information and will answer any questions you have prior to ear tube surgery.
