Glue ear is a painful infection in the ear. However, there are no symptoms except poor or changeable hearing. It can be mild, temporary or long term. If it is long term then it causes more problems. A cold, cough, or catarrh is usually the offset of glue ear.
Treatment consists of a grommet operation performed under light, general anesthetic.
A small cut is made in the eardrum and the glue is drained. A tiny tube is placed in the hole to let air into the ear. The grommet falls out after some months. The small hole heals quickly, but it may leave a scar on the eardrum. Never touch the grommet if it is visible in the canal.