Otitis media with effusion (OME), also known as glue ear, is the accumulation of fluid within the middle ear without acute inflammation. It is estimated that 80 per cent of children have been affected by OME by 10 years of age.

OME usually presents as hearing loss, although this might manifest as inattentiveness at school or developmental delay. Mild intermittent ear pain may also be a symptom, and the individual could appear clumsy or socially withdrawn.

There is often no inflammation or discharge. Most cases resolve spontaneously although, if it takes several months, a close eye should be kept on hearing and language development.

Grommets, which are ventilation tubes to help drain the effusion, may be fitted if the OME is bilateral and causes hearing loss for three months or longer.