Otovent Autoinflation Device - Clinically Effective Treatment for Glue Ear

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As autoinflation has to be done several times a day, it's not usually recommended for children under 3 years old. Eating more healthy food with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, grains and lean meat or fish may help. You can also ask to see a registered dietician. Homeopathy The NICE guideline recommends the use of autoinflation during the observation period for children who are likely to be able to use the procedure. For some treatments, there may be very little or poor quality evidence available. Some may also be offered by the alternative or complementary health sector, which doesn't tend to produce the type of scientific evidence reviewed by NICE.

NICE. Surgical management of otitis media with effusion in children. [CG60]. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; 2008. This large, pragmatic randomised controlled trial included 320 children aged 4 to 11 recruited from 43 general practices in the UK, representing a reliable source of evidence. The children were randomly allocated to one of two groups: usual care only, or usual care plus autoinflation using a nasal balloon three times a day for one to three months. It was not possible to hide treatment allocation from the children or nurses delivering the treatment, but the researchers assessing the results were kept unaware of treatment allocations to avoid bias. Most children have no problems after surgery. Discharge and infection are the most common complications. Rarely, a condition called tympanosclerosis occurs in which a chalky sort of substance develops in the eardrum. This is a scar on the ear drum and it usually does not cause any long-term problems. Osteopathy is a system of diagnosing and treating conditions, concentrating on the body's structure. This treatment can help to realign muscle tissue, bones and joints, allowing the body to function effectively and in doing so, may relieve pain and ailments.

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The Otovent method can be divided into two phases. Both phases allow the opening of the Eustachian tube. Try to avoid your child diving or jumping into the water as this increases the outside pressure and forces water through the grommet into the middle ear. During this time, your child’s glue ear may get better on its own. However, there is a non-surgical treatment your child can try while waiting for their next set of hearing tests, which is proven to help treat glue ear — the Otovent ® balloon. Parents of a 6 year old boy said: " He did struggle to start with, but it wasn't long before he could get it to an orange "

However, the gluey fluid is a good food for germs (bacteria) and ear infections are more common in children with glue ear. This may then cause bad earache for the duration of an infection. Always have a painkiller such as paracetamol in your home in case earache develops. Development and behavioural changes This is because there's no effective medicine for glue ear, and it often clears up on its own within 3 months. The results are consistent with a 2013 Cochrane systematic review which included eight trials involving 702 patients. Breastfeeding (chestfeeding): Breastmilk (chestmilk) provides vital nutrients that your baby needs to help fight off infections. Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to get glue ear. To determine the severity of your condition, the doctor will examine your ear using a magnified scope with an attached light. This will also help them determine the exact spot of the fluid build-up.There’s no evidence that medicines, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, mucolytics, steroids and decongestants are helpful. There is also no evidence that complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, cranial osteopathy and special diets will help. Non-surgical treatments Hearing aids Some children have several episodes of glue ear which cause short but repeated (recurring) episodes of reduced hearing. The total time of reduced hearing in childhood may then add up to many months. Does glue ear go away? If your child has hearing loss in both ears, they may be offered hearing aids while they’re waiting for surgery, or as an alternative to surgery. This might be an option if your child is unable to have surgery for some reason, or if you’d prefer them not to. Your child can wear them until the glue ear clears up on its own, or until they have surgery. Autoinflation

Most cases of glue ear go away on their own. However, glue ear that turns into a middle ear infection may be treated with antibiotics. Autoinflation One way you can alleviate fluid buildup at home is through autoinflation. This involves blowing up a balloonlike device with each nostril. For best results, autoinflation is done several times a day. This method isn’t recommended for children under age 3. Hearing aids and speech therapy NICE has developed a medtech innovation briefing (MIB) on the Otovent nasal balloon for otitis media with effusion. If your child has glue ear, you may have lots of questions about the condition. Your child’s healthcare provider can answer anything you’re concerned about. Questions you may want to ask your child’s provider include:The first evolutionary glitch is the development of the Eustachian tube – which connects the middle ear to the nose and throat and thus the outside, ensuring pressure equalisation and the clearance of secretions. Glue ear affects the middle part of the ear behind the eardrum, which is a waterproof structure. Consequently, any water that enters the ear while swimming can’t make it into the middle part of your child’s ear. There is, therefore, no reason why your child can’t continue swimming while they have glue ear. Swimming doesn’t worsen the symptoms of glue ear or increase the likelihood of your child developing it. Myth two Glue ear in adults also usually clears up on its own. Your GP may refer you to a specialist for further investigation and treatment if it doesn’t.

Other parents reported problems continuing treatment over a longer period. Parents tried to make the treatment fun for the children:Inhale deeply and close your mouth, inflate the balloon until it is the size of a grapefruit, by blowing through your right nostril Long-term follow-up studies after grommet insertion show a high rate of recurrence of glue ear, increased risk of a permanently perforated eardrum, and a high chance of hearing loss in the higher frequencies in later life. Other symptoms that can affect both adults and children include a feeling of fullness inside your ear, mild earache and hearing ‘popping’ in your ear. You or your child may have problems with balance too. Clinical trials have shown that xylitol-based chewing gum, when used regularly, may reduce ear infections and glue ear. The nasal balloon should not be used if your child has an ear infection or if they have a latex allergy.