Glue ear - help!

[LuckyC]

My poor DD has had glue ear (her GP thinks) for 6 months. Referral to consultant now in but will take 14 weeks before they even see her.

For a whole host of reasons, we're considering trying to get her seen by a private consultant.

What I would like to know is, how is glue ear diagnosed? Can a consultant just look in her ears and say 'right that's it' or is it through associated audiology etc tests?

Any experience appreciated!

[carolinementzer]

Hi there, they use an otoscope which is basically a magnifying glass with a light on the end to diagnose the fluid in the ear. They may also use audio tests to determine if there's any hearing loss.

I had chronic glue ear as a child - turned out it was a dairy allergy. Completely cleared up once cut out cow's milk products. Maybe something worth investigating as your daughter's had it for so long and you have to wait another 14 weeks for consultant appointment. Good luck and best wishes.

[LuckyC]

Thanks, Caroline. Did you cut dairy completely, ie also in cooked form, like cake?

[ajandjjmum]

DS had glue ear on several occasions - one of the complications of being born with a cleft lip and palate. He had a simple op each time (although of course, it's always horrid to see your DC undergoing surgery), and had grommets and finally t-tubes inserted.

He's now in his early 20's, and his hearing is absolutely fine.

Have to say though, I'd get a private appt, and then see if the consultant can speed surgery along.

[girliefriend]

Has she had a hearing test? This is normally done first and on several different occasions to diagnose glue ear.

[DustyCropHopper]

Ds2 had marginal glue ear, diagnosed by a hearing test and then the ENT looking in his ears. His hearing was only slightly effected, as in still in the normal range but one side slightly down compared to the other. Today the same tests have been carried out and his hearing is down quite a bit and glue ear is worse. We go back in 2 months to see if the cold he has is causing the problems. If it hasn't cleared up he will need grommets apparently.

[incywincyspideragain]

How old is she? effectivness of hearing test will depend on age.

We ended up going private for our boys (work healthcare package) much better experience than audiology clinic. Consultant has look, does hearing test straight away and you get to discuss all options.

All are now wheat, dairy and soya free too so worth looking at diet imo

[carolinementzer]

HI LuckyC, yes I cut out dairy completely at the beginning which solved the problem within a few weeks. Then later on I found I was able to tolerate sheep and goat milk, cheese, yog etc. It was a relief to get to the root of the problem as I was constantly having to take antibiotics when it turned into an infection.

Now 30 years on I do have cow's now and then when out at friends houses or restaurants, but am so out of the habit that it's not part of my daily life. Also as a result my daughter has never had cow's milk, just goat and sheep which is easier for the body to digest. How old's your DD?

Here's an interesting link about glue ear and milk intolerance. Good luck.
www.napiers.net/glue-ear-sinus-herbal-treatment.html

[LuckyC]

Hi girlie nothing, my fault, I should have done better research and asked her GP to do it. Honestly he has been bloody remiss (as I have) to let this drag on.

She's 4 incy and that sounds very promising re private (though we have no healthcare and will have to fork out, which is fine obvs, will just sell her brother to the pirates to fund it) (he is being brat today)

caroline thank you, very interesting.

[incywincyspideragain]

if it helps I looked at the BUPA claim - 50 for hearing test and 150-200 for consultant

[LuckyC]

incy thanks that's v kind.