Glue ear is an accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum which is caused through blockage of the Eustachian tube. In children one of the major causes is an Eustachian tube which is not fully matured and short as well as an overload of phlegm, due to diet and often the overuse of antibiotics.
Glue ear is caused by excessive phlegm (dampness and heat combined) in the body. It prevents the bones in the middle ear from vibrating properly, and over time may lead to increasing deafness. There may be a thick, smelly discharge, roaring or clicking noises in the ear and swollen lymph glands. If not treated, the bones can become fused, leading to complete deafness. Allopathic treatment may involve minor surgery to remove some of the fluid, and inserting a small tube to allow the remainder to drain away.
Unfortunately’ the most common procedure after repeated ear infections is grommet surgery which requires a full anaesthetic and only ever deals with the symptoms not the cause. Growth spurts, scaring and general wear and tear often acerbates problems as grommets fall out, get infected and form scar tissue which in itself can cause hearing loss at a later stage. In brief it can set up a vicious cycle.
Since the actual cause is phlegm building up in the Eustachian tube, let’s look at removing the cause instead of chasing the symptoms.
- Change of diet to avoid phlegm production (avoid raw and cold foods, dairy, oranges, too much fruit juice, peanut butter, bananas (occasional lady finger bananas are fine) cut down on sugar and hot spices. ZERO ICECREAM!). Avoid antibiotics at all costs: they are icy cold by nature and suppress the symptoms but build up the phlegm production. This is an advice supported by the Australian Medical Association
- Dress kids according to the season: protect them from wind and apply the tried and tested Sassall eardrops after swimming.
- Locally: apply ear candles once a week, followed by warm olive oil and poke root massage (behind the ear, stimulating lymp function). Another excellent supplement to keep in the cupboard is Rainbow herbal eardrops!
- Get kids to blow up balloon through one nostril to clear the Eustachian tube or use Otovent or similar products.
Feel free to contact us with any question about methods like ear candles, how to massage and product details.