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Glue ear, medically known as otitis media with effusion (OME), is a condition where the empty, air-filled middle ear becomes filled with a thick, sticky fluid. This fluid dampens and muffles sound waves, leading to temporary hearing loss. It is extremely common in children due to their shorter and more horizontal Eustachian tubes, which can easily become blocked, preventing normal drainage of mucus.
Common symptoms
Hearing loss or muffled hearing
Speaking loudly or asking people to repeat themselves
Turning up the volume on the TV or music
Feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
Popping or clicking sensations when swallowing
Irritability or tiredness due to the effort of listening
Balance problems or clumsiness
Mild ear pain
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
Delayed speech and language development in chronic cases
Possible causes
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Post-viral mucus buildup following a cold or flu
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Allergies (e.g., hay fever)
Irritants such as secondhand cigarette smoke
Inflammation of the adenoids
Changes in air pressure (e.g., during air travel)
Rarely, a tumor at the back of the nose in adults
Medical treatment
Watchful waiting (active monitoring for 3 months as it often resolves naturally)
Autoinflation (using a special balloon to help fluid drain via the Eustachian tube)
Grommets (small surgical tubes inserted into the eardrum to allow air in and fluid out)
Temporary hearing aids (if surgery is not wanted or appropriate)
Adenoidectomy (surgical removal of the adenoids if they are contributing to blockage)
Treatment of underlying allergies with antihistamines or nasal sprays
Ayurvedic perspective
Glue ear, clinically known as Otitis Media with Effusion, is understood as a state where aggravated Kapha leads to the accumulation of thick, sticky fluid (Kleda) within the middle ear (Karna Srotas). This fluid creates an 'Avarana' or obstruction to Vata, which is responsible for the movement of sound waves, thereby causing a sensation of fullness and hearing impairment. It is often linked to chronic nasal congestion and impaired Agni (digestive fire), leading to the formation of Ama (toxins) that clogs the ear channels.
Ayurvedic dietary guidelines
Avoid Kapha-aggravating foods like curd, yogurt, and cold sweets
Limit or avoid cold beverages and iced drinks
Consume warm, light, and freshly cooked meals
Incorporate warming spices such as ginger, black pepper, and long pepper (Trikatu)
Avoid heavy, deep-fried, and oily foods that increase mucus
Ayurvedic medicinal herbs
Triphala Guggulu — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Sarivadi Vati — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Haridra Khanda — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Trikatu Churna — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
