GLUE EAR

A glue ear develops when phlegm and mucus from
the   nose   pass   up   the   thin   Eustachian   tube   into   the
middle ear. It is difficult  for  these  thick,   sticky
secretions   to   escape   through   the   Eustachian   tube   to
the back of the nose, particularly if the adenoids, which
surround   the   opening   of   the   tube   into   the   nose,   are
swollen.
There   is   a   feeling   of   blockage   in   the   affected   ear
similar to that felt when descending (more common) or
ascending   a   mountain   and   being   unable   to   pop   the
ears   clear.   The   glue   may   also   be   responsible   for   a
middle ear infections (otitis media) and deafness.
    Examination   of   the   ear   by   an   otoscope  (magnifier
and light) shows an opaque and bulging eardrum, and
special   instruments   can   measure   the   pressure   in   the
middle ear. The surgical insertion of a small tube (grommet) through the eardrum to relieve the pressure is often
necessary.  Recurrent     cases   may     require   the   surgical   removal    of  the   adenoids,    which    are   lymph    nodes    that
surround the nasal opening into the Eustachian tubes. There are very good results after appropriate treatment, but
the problem may recur after the grommets fall out.
    See also EARACHE; OTITIS MEDIA