Fluid in the ear forms due to a previous middle ear infection and due to a block of the Eustachian tube. This tube connects the nose to the middle ear. When this is blocked, thick, glue-like sticky fluid builds up behind the eardrum. This formation of fluid in middle ear is called "glue ear" or Otits media with effusion (OME). It is more common in children. This increases the possibility of causing a hearing loss and can affect the language development of a child.
Hearing Loss
The most common cause of temporary hearing loss in children is fluid in the ear. With the surrounding fluid in the middle ear, the eardrum and bones will not be able to vibrate freely. This will affect the hearing.
The fluid usually clears on its own in a span of three months. When it does not clear, it can cause a feeling of discomfort and a plugged feeling in the ears. The hearing will be muffled. There will be no symptoms of an acute ear infection like earache or fever. An older child or adult will complain of trouble hearing or may ask you to repeat what is said. In younger children and babies, the fluid may be difficult to detect, as they may not complain of any hearing loss.
School Problems
In smaller children where the fluid is difficult to recognize, it may manifest differently. Children may have trouble paying attention or may have difficulty in concentrating at school. In addition, your child may find it difficult to follow instructions at school and do class work. He may perform poorly in school. He may sit close to the television or keep the TV too loud due to the impaired hearing.
Speech and Language Delay
Hearing of spoken language is necessary for language skills. The child must hear normally to allow her to interpret normal speech. Fluid in the ear can cause a delay in learning to talk in preschool children and babies. In the first three years, OME has an effect on development of speech and language according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1984. Development of language skills like reading and writing is delayed in older children.
Other Problems
Some children may show behavioral problems. They become restless, nervous and irritable according to an article published in 2001 in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood. They may also complain of feeling dizzy.
