Long Term Effects of Glue Ear

A study at St James' University in Dublin suggests the childhood condition known as 'Glue Ear' could have lasting effects on the development of children.

Dr Kathleen Bennet studied around 1,000 respondents from birth to age 26 and found children with a history of glue ear were more likely to be seen as having behavioural problems such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity, and to have reading difficulties.

Glue ear, or otitis media with effusion, is caused by a build up of fluid in the middle ear, leading to partial or total deafness. If undiagnosed, it can lead to so-called "learning difficulties" in adolescents.

The study focused on teenagers between 11 and 18 and found children with a history of glue ear were significantly more likely to report behavioural problems up to age 15. They also tended to have lower measured IQs and reading and spelling difficulties.

Edith Maskell of Bromley Health Management stated, "When we fail to pick up glue ear early on, it can cause major difficulties for our children throughout their education. This study again confirms the importance of diagnosing and treating the condition early on".

Thursday, 1 November 2001