Glue ear is an accumulation of fluid within the middle ear that can lead to hearing loss. The fluid can be very sticky hence the term “glue ear.” The middle ear is the space with the three bones where sound is transmitted from the eardrum to the inner ear.  The presence of fluid in this space can block the transmission of sound.

It is very common for young children to snore. This is not necessarily anything to worry about.  However in some children, the snoring and airway obstruction can be much more pronounced to a  point that it can affects their sleep pattern.  Different terms used  to describe this; including sleep disordered breathing where there is fragmentation of the sleep pattern  and a more severe form, obstructive sleep apnoea when there are actual pauses in breathing.

Tonsillitis is a bacterial infection of the tonsils usually caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. Classically tonsillitis presents with a progressive sore throat, fever, enlarged neck nodes and feeling unwell. The tonsils appear red and swollen and often have a white exudate.

Outer ear infections usually begin with mild itching and discomfort. This can progress rapidly resulting in severe pain, swelling of the ear canal and blockage. Sometimes there can be discharge which can have a pungent sweet odour. which If untreated can spread to involve the ear and cheek.

A middle ear infection can be extremely painful as the ear drum distends and sometimes ruptures with subsequent discharge. Once the ear discharges the pain is usually much improved . Children may become unsettled, especially during the night and often wake pulling at their ears. The infection often occurs in association with a cold and fever.

Nose bleeds are common in children but rarely cause significant issues. They occur because the blood vessels on the septum (the midline partition) become inflamed and break easily . Usually this happens because of a local infection in the front of the nose called vestibulitis. This causes a build up of crust which can be itchy and when it comes away it leaves a raw area which then bleeds.

If there are any concerns that you feel that your child may not be able to hear you should follow your instincts and have this checked. (Maternal concern is the most accurate indicator that a child may not be able to hear)