Paediatric ENT
Paediatric ENT & Glue Ear
Children's ear, nose and throat problems are among the most common reasons parents seek specialist advice. From glue ear affecting hearing and speech development, to recurrent tonsillitis disrupting schooling, to enlarged adenoids causing persistent nasal obstruction — these conditions are very treatable but benefit from expert assessment. Ms Mushi holds the role of Paediatric ENT Lead at Mid Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust and gained specialist paediatric experience at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, one of the UK's leading children's hospitals. She provides child-friendly consultations in a calm, reassuring environment.
Glue ear (otitis media with effusion)
Glue ear is the most common cause of hearing loss in children. It occurs when the middle ear — the space behind the eardrum — fills with thick, sticky fluid rather than remaining air-filled, dampening the movement of the eardrum and reducing the ability to hear clearly.
Who gets glue ear?
Glue ear is extremely common in young children, particularly between the ages of two and five, and many cases resolve on their own within a few months. However, persistent glue ear that affects hearing, speech development, behaviour or schooling warrants assessment and treatment. Glue ear is less common in adults but does occur, often associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction or following upper respiratory infections.
Symptoms to look out for
In children: difficulty hearing particularly in noisy environments, speaking loudly or asking for things to be repeated, inattentiveness often mistaken for behavioural issues, delayed speech or language development, and ear discomfort or fullness. In adults: a blocked, muffled sensation in the ear and reduced hearing that does not improve.
Assessment and treatment for glue ear
Ms Mushi will arrange a pure tone audiogram and tympanogram to assess hearing and confirm middle ear fluid. Treatment is tailored to the duration, severity and impact on hearing or development.
For mild or recent-onset cases. Many episodes resolve spontaneously within three months, and active monitoring avoids unnecessary treatment.
A simple nasal balloon device the child blows using one nostril at a time, equalising middle ear pressure and encouraging fluid drainage. Used twice daily; available over the counter.
Reduces inflammation around the Eustachian tube opening, supporting resolution of middle ear fluid — particularly where underlying rhinitis is contributing.
Twice-daily NeilMed saline rinsing reduces nasal congestion contributing to Eustachian tube dysfunction and improves the environment for resolution.
Small tubes inserted into the eardrum under general anaesthetic to ventilate the middle ear and restore hearing. Recommended for persistent glue ear not resolving with medical management that is affecting hearing or development.
Adenoid hypertrophy, Eustachian tube dysfunction & recurrent ear infections
Adenoid hypertrophy
The adenoids are a pad of lymphoid tissue at the back of the nose that are naturally larger in children. Enlarged adenoids can cause persistent nasal obstruction and mouth breathing, snoring and disrupted sleep, recurrent glue ear by obstructing the Eustachian tube opening, a nasal quality to the voice, and recurrent upper respiratory infections. Where adenoid hypertrophy is causing significant symptoms, adenoidectomy is a straightforward and effective procedure — often performed at the same time as grommet insertion or tonsillectomy.
Eustachian tube dysfunction & recurrent ear infections
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and equalises middle ear pressure. When it does not function properly — due to congestion, allergy or anatomy — pressure builds in the ear, causing muffled hearing, blocked sensation and fluid accumulation. It responds well to nasal steroid sprays, saline douching and the Otovent device. Recurrent acute otitis media — middle ear infection — is common in young children, causing ear pain, fever and temporary hearing loss. Where infections are frequent, Ms Mushi will assess for underlying causes such as adenoid hypertrophy and discuss the role of grommet insertion to ventilate the middle ear and reduce recurrence.
When should you seek a paediatric ENT opinion?
A private consultation with Ms Mushi means your child will be seen within days, with a hearing assessment and clear management plan at the same appointment.
Glue ear confirmed on a hearing test that has been present for three months or more
Concerns about your child's hearing, speech development or school performance
Recurrent ear infections — three or more episodes in six months, or four or more in a year
Persistent mouth breathing, loud snoring or disrupted sleep in a child
Suspected enlarged adenoids
An adult with persistent blocked ear or muffled hearing that has not resolved
Eustachian tube problems that have not improved with initial treatment
Frequently asked questions
At what age can children be seen?
Ms Mushi sees children of all ages. Consultations are conducted at a pace appropriate to the child, in a calm and child-friendly manner.
Will my child need an operation?
Many children are successfully managed with non-surgical treatment — the Otovent device, nasal sprays and watchful waiting resolve a significant proportion of glue ear cases. Surgery is recommended only when conservative management has not been effective and the condition is affecting the child's hearing, development or quality of life.
What are grommets and how long do they last?
Grommets are tiny ventilation tubes inserted into the eardrum under a short general anaesthetic. They allow air into the middle ear, drain fluid and restore hearing almost immediately. Most grommets stay in place for six to twelve months before naturally falling out as the eardrum heals. The procedure is very safe and well established.
Is adenoidectomy safe?
Adenoidectomy is one of the most commonly performed children's operations in the UK. It is carried out under general anaesthetic, usually as a day case, and recovery is typically rapid — most children are back to normal within a week.
Can glue ear affect my child's speech?
Yes — persistent hearing loss from glue ear during early childhood can affect speech and language development and educational progress. If you have concerns about your child's hearing or speech, early assessment is important.
Can adults get glue ear?
Yes, though it is much less common than in children. In adults it is often associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction, nasal congestion or upper respiratory infections. A persistent blocked or muffled ear in an adult always warrants assessment to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other causes.
Book a paediatric ENT consultation
Ms Mushi sees children and adults with ear, nose and throat conditions at Circle Cheshire Clinic, Northwich. Appointments are typically available within days.