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Date Posted:09:06:21 01/14/08 Mon
Glue ear is much more common than realized. It is estimated that seven out of ten children will have at least one episode before they reach the age of four. In most cases it only lasts a short while and boys are more commonly affected than girls. If dulled hearing is not noticed, then children may not progress as well at school. It is extremely important that teachers are made aware of the condition and can monitor a child's progress. Some children cope with this very well but I have seen cases where children can become de-motivated or show aggressive behaviour. As each child is different, they cope with disabilities in varying ways. Some can become aggressive or withdrawn whilst others become de-motivated. Research has proved that children with glue ear usually progress at the correct level once the problem has been addressed. I have taught three children from the same family with this condition. I was always aware that they should be placed in the classroom where they could hear and would often reiterate what I had said. They have all progressed well since their condition was assessed and grommets used.
It is interesting to note that "glue ear" is more common in children who: live in homes where people smoke; were bottle fed rather than breast fed; have frequent coughs, colds, or ear infections; have a brother or sister who has had glue ear.
It has been thought that children with this condition develop behavioural problems but research is reassuring and studies have shown that, on average, children with glue ear have no more chance (or just a little more chance) of having long term behavioural problems or poor school performance, compared with children without glue ear. This study is, of course, based on the early diagnosis of the problem.
