My DD has got "bubbles in her ear" does this mean glue ear? She's being referred for a hearing test and I'm trying to find out more

[used2bthin]

I've searched through old threads so have learned a bit more, also a friend sent me a link about it and as I understood it, she is being referred for the hearing test in case she has got it but from what I've read I'm now wondering if the doctor meant that she has got glue ear and the hearing test is to see if it has affected her hearing. She said it was worrying that DD has lost some words.

My next question is about hearing, I know glue ear can affect children differently but is it possible for it to come and go and can it affect only how they hear their own voice? Its just that DD seems to understand what I say but just struggles speech wise. She often sort of acts things out to show me what she means. I know glue ear isn't terrible but my poor DD has so many medical issues that this feels very unfair and is worrying me a bit.

Bump? I am not doing well on MN tonight!

Another bump to see if anyone this morning knows about glue ear.

It could be glue ear. My dd1 was recently diagnosed with it, the doctor said she had pressure behind both ears and she failed a hearing test. The operation to insert gromits went smoothly, and her speech has imporved since then.

Oh thanks belgo. Do they always fit gromits or is it a last resort? I just don't think I can bare for her to need more surgery. She hasn't even had the hearing test yet but the more I think about it the more I think it makes sense.

The operation to insert the gromits is a very quick one - they are under for just a few minutes while they do the procedure, and then start to bring then around again. DD1 slept the rest of the day and was back at school the next day.

Try not to worry - see what the result of the hearing test is.

Thanks, hope the appontment comes through soon. DD has a genetic condition too which makes anaesthetic more complicated and has had one and waiting to hear about next op so am just feeling that its not fair I think. Its very reassuring to hear that your DD was back at school next day though, what a brave little girl!

Anyone else know if bubbles definately mean glue ear?

Grommets are usually used as a last resort, there are other things they can do for glue ear first. You could try a nasal balloon, depending on her age, hearing aids or I know a few people who swear by cranial osteopathy, although it didn't work for my dd3. Glue ear can fluctuate a lot, usually being worse over the winter or when they have a cold. If your dd is not hearing speech clearly she will find it hard to copy iyswim.

The national deaf childrens society (NDCS) site has loads of info about glue ear and hearing tests that is written in a very parent friendly way.

Thanks bigcar I will look at the site. Good to know that there are other things that can be done. DD is only 19m so early days with speech yet but the doctor was concerned that she has stopped saying words that she used to have iyswim. She has just had a bad cold, the bubbles were seen because I asked the doctor to look in her ear as she'd been pulling on it a lot and has had a few ear infections before.

Hopefully you will won't have a long wait for an appointment to get some answers. May be now her cold has cleared up her speech will improve again. Fingers crossed x

Hiya!

I will e-mail my friend for you as she has been through this and forward you the response

Off to doctors this afternoon re tinnitus etc....bleugh.....

Thanks bigcar, hope her speech does improve. I'm trying to make sure I say things clearly and talk to her lots to encourage her but am beginning to think she doesn't hear clearly. Easy to imagine stuff though.

And thanks Puss that would be great. Hope the doctor manages to sort you out today, what they gave you obviously wasnt enough.