Allergic Glue Ear in Adults

Glue ear is a condition that many allergy-sufferers experience at some point during their lives. While it usually first appears in childhood, allergic glue ear in adults is relatively common too.

Grommets – tiny tubes surgically inserted into the eardrums – are often used to treat glue ear. But are they the best solution for glue ear that is triggered by allergies?

What is glue ear?

Glue ear, also known as secretory otitis media, is a condition where a glue-like fluid collects inside the middle ear, where it is meant to be filled with air. This dulls the vibration made by sound waves to the brain, essentially turning the volume down on one’s hearing.

Glue ear commonly affects children between the ages of 2 and 16. Although, glue ear in adults is still relatively common, especially when allergies are a trigger.

Glue ear symptoms

Temporary loss of hearing in one or both ears is the most common symptom of glue ear. However, other symptoms may include:

Pain, pressure or discomfort inside ear
Balance problems or clumsiness
Being less responsive to sound (i.e. selective hearing)

Over the long term, some children may also experience stunted psychological, learning, language, social and behavioural development due to dulled hearing. This may be because they cannot hear their teacher, or feel alienated or frustrated because they are unable to follow what’s going on, both in the classroom and in social situations.

What causes glue ear in adults?

Babies and young children’s ears are horizontal, which means they can block more easily, making them more susceptible to developing glue ear. Whereas glue ear in adults is commonly due to external triggers, such as:

Allergies – particularly to foods such as gluten, wheat, soy, and corn, or environmental allergens, such as dust, dust mites and moulds which trigger fluid production
Viral, bacterial or fungal infections
Altitude and air pressure changes
Exposure to cigarette smoke
Infected adenoids (tissues that sit in the nasal cavity)
Cold/flu, which encourages mucus build-up

Medical treatment of glue ear

Most medical treatments for glue ear aim to clear the extra fluid that triggers glue ear, but do not address the underlying cause.

Antibiotics

In the presence an ear infection, your health practitioner may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the sticky fluid. Ear infections can be caused by the extra fluid, as well as making you more susceptible to infections.

Decongestant sprays

A nasal spray may help break down the fluid because the ears and nose are connected through the eustachian tubes.

Grommets

In cases of chronic glue ear, tiny tubes called grommets may have to be surgically inserted into the eardrum. They work by opening up the middle ear, which allows fluid to drain out and normalises air pressure within the ear.

However, there are some side effects to consider. For instance, grommets may cause ear infection and can increase mucus production (especially in the 1-3 age group). They may also damage or thicken the eardrum, which can lead to hearing loss.

Grommets fall out on their own after 6-12 months. But, in around 30 per cent of cases, they fall out before the glue ear problem is resolved.

Natural Glue Ear Treatment

Unfortunately medical treatments like antibiotics, decongestant sprays and grommets often don’t provide a long-term solution to chronic glue ear, as they don’t address the source of the problem.

At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), we use a technique called muscle testing or kinesiology to help identify which food and environmental substances may be contributing to allergy conditions like glue ear. Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address the reactions triggering your allergy symptoms using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT) as a natural treatment for glue ear.

PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:

draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
aims to re-train your body
may reduce your reactions to environmental allergens that may be causing or exacerbating your sensitivities.

Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results for your natural glue ear treatment.

Get in touch

Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
Send our PAT Naturopaths a question HERE
Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE

Please note that this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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