Skip to main content

Glue Ear & Grommet Surgery for Children in London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

 


Glue Ear and Grommet Surgery: A Guide for Parents in London and Essex

It can be distressing for parents when a child seems "inattentive," struggles with speech development, or suffers from repeated ear infections. Often, the culprit is Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)—a condition where the middle ear becomes filled with a thick, glue-like fluid instead of air.

While glue ear often clears up on its own, persistent cases can impact a child’s learning and quality of life. This guide explains when to seek a private ENT consultation and how grommet surgery can help.

What is Glue Ear?

Glue ear occurs when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, does not function correctly. This prevents air from entering the ear and allows fluid to build up.

In children, Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making them more prone to blockages following colds, flu, or allergies.

Signs Your Child May Have Glue Ear

Because children may not always be able to articulate that their hearing is muffled, parents should look for the following signs:

  • Turning the TV volume up unusually high.

  • Frequently asking "What?" or "Pardon?"

  • Appearing distracted or failing to respond when called.

  • Delayed speech or language development.

  • Changes in behaviour or irritability due to frustration with hearing.

  • Balance issues or clumsiness.

When Should You See an ENT Consultant?

NHS guidelines typically recommend a "watchful waiting" period of three months, as many cases resolve spontaneously. However, a consultation with Mr Gaurav Kumar is advisable if:

  • The hearing loss is affecting school performance or social interaction.

  • There is a significant delay in speech and language.

  • The child suffers from frequent, painful ear infections.

  • Symptoms have persisted beyond the three-month window.

What is Grommet Surgery?

If glue ear is persistent or severe, Mr Gaurav Kumar may recommend grommets. Grommets are tiny plastic tubes inserted into the eardrum during a short surgical procedure.

How it works:

  1. Ventilation: The grommet allows air to enter the middle ear, bypassing the blocked Eustachian tube.

  2. Fluid Drainage: It allows the "glue" to drain away or dry up.

  3. Hearing Restoration: Most parents notice an almost immediate improvement in their child's hearing following the procedure.

The surgery is typically performed as a day case under a short general anaesthetic. The grommets stay in place for several months and usually fall out naturally as the eardrum heals.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from grommet surgery is generally very quick. Most children can return to school or nursery within 24–48 hours.

  • Pain Relief: A mild earache may occur briefly after surgery, usually managed with standard children's paracetamol.

  • Water Precautions: You will be advised on how to protect your ears while swimming or bathing with the grommets in place.

  • Follow-up: A hearing test is usually performed a few weeks after surgery to confirm the improvement.

Safety-Netting: When to Seek Medical Advice

While grommet surgery is a routine and safe procedure, parents should contact the clinic or a healthcare professional if they notice:

  • Heavy Bleeding: Small amounts of spotting are normal, but active bleeding should be reviewed.

  • Persistent Discharge: A foul-smelling or yellowish discharge may indicate a post-operative infection.

  • Severe Pain: If pain is not controlled by over-the-counter medication.

  • High Fever: A temperature that does not come down.

Why Choose Mr Gaurav Kumar?

Mr Gaurav Kumar is an experienced Consultant ENT Surgeon specialising in both adult and pediatric conditions. He understands that surgery on a child is a significant decision for any family. His approach focuses on clear communication, thorough diagnostic testing, and ensuring that surgery is only recommended when it is in the best interest of the child’s long-term development.

If you are concerned about your child’s hearing or speech, book a private consultation at one of our London or Essex clinics today.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education and does not replace professional medical advice. If your child has a sudden, total loss of hearing or severe ear pain, seek urgent medical attention.


Call 07494914140
Book Online


Grommets - A decision-making aid for parents






Popular Post

My Child Is Being Teased About Their Ears: A Parent’s Guide to Pinnaplasty in London & Essex

  My Child Is Being Teased About Their Ears: A Parent’s Guide to Pinnaplasty in London & Essex “My child is being teased because their ears stick out. Should we have them pinned back?” It is an understandable question, especially when a previously confident child suddenly starts hiding their ears with their hair, refusing certain hairstyles, or telling you someone at school has commented on them. For parents in London, East London, Brentwood and Essex , the difficult part is often knowing whether to reassure and wait, address the teasing itself, or seek a specialist opinion about pinnaplasty. The important starting point is this: prominent ears are usually a normal variation in appearance, not an illness that needs correcting. Surgery should therefore never become an automatic response to somebody else making an unkind comment. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon , discusses prominent ears with families in the wider context of the child’s own wishes, ear development, expec...
Read more

Swallowing Difficulty (Dysphagia): Causes, Warning Signs and When to See an ENT Specialist

  Swallowing Difficulty (Dysphagia): What Causes It and When Should You Be Concerned? Most people swallow hundreds of times every day without noticing. When swallowing becomes uncomfortable, difficult or feels abnormal, it can quickly affect eating, drinking and quality of life. Some patients describe food “sticking” in the throat, while others notice coughing during meals, discomfort swallowing tablets or a persistent sensation of tightness in the throat. The medical term for swallowing difficulty is dysphagia . Swallowing problems can range from mild irritation to more significant conditions requiring specialist investigation. This article explains common causes of dysphagia, symptoms to look out for and when to seek ENT assessment. What is dysphagia? Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. It may involve problems with: Swallowing solids Swallowing liquids Initiating a swallow Sensation of food sticking Pain during swallowing Coughing or choking while eating Symptoms ...
Read more

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar Coblation Tonsillectomy for Children: A Gentler, Less Painful Option in London and Essex When a child suffers from chronically enlarged tonsils that disrupt their breathing at night, or recurrent bouts of tonsillitis that cause high fevers and missed school days, surgical removal is often the most effective long-term solution. However, the prospect of a traditional tonsillectomy can make many parents incredibly anxious, primarily due to concerns over post-operative throat pain and a lengthy recovery period. Fortunately, modern surgical advancements have introduced a technique designed specifically to address these concerns: Coblation Tonsillectomy . If you are looking into private treatment options for your child outside of overstretched local NHS waiting lists, understanding how this gentle technology works can help you make an informed choice. This guide breaks down the benefits of coblation and how famil...
Read more

Flying with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction | London & Essex ENT

  Dread the Descent? Tips for Flying with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Blocked Ears in East London, Brentwood and Essex For most holidaymakers or business travellers across East London, Brentwood and Essex, boarding a flight is the start of an exciting journey. But if you suffer from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) , looking at a plane ticket can fill you with pure dread. The thought of that final 30-minute descent—waiting for a sharp, agonizing pop or a feeling of absolute deafness that lasts for days after landing—is enough to make anyone anxious. You might find yourself frantically chewing gum, swallowing hard, or panicking as you sit on the tarmac, worrying about permanent damage to your hearing. If you are tired of your ears feeling completely blocked every time you travel, it is not something you simply have to endure. Understanding how your ears react to cabin pressure, paired with a few specialist strategies, can completely transform your next journey. Anatomy and Path...
Read more

After your Epley manoeuvre — patient information leaflet

  What this leaflet tells you This leaflet explains what to expect after the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for posterior-canal BPPV, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when to seek help.   1. Quick summary — what the Epley did The manoeuvre moves tiny particles (otoconia) out of the balance canal of your inner ear and back into a place where they don’t cause spinning (vertigo). Most people feel much better after one or a few treatments. However BPPV can come back (recurrence is common).   2. How you may feel immediately afterwards You may feel dizzy or off-balance for a few minutes to a few hours; nausea is possible.   Some people feel better straightaway; others get gradual improvement over days.   Rarely ,you may have brief recurrences of vertigo — this does not always mean the manoeuvre failed.   3. Activity and posture — what the evidence says Good news: High-quality studies and recent guidelines show that strict he...
Read more

Child's Ear Piercing Swollen or Infected? What Parents Should Know | London & Essex

  My Child's Ear Piercing Is Swollen and Painful — Is It Infected? Your child recently had their ears pierced. Everything seemed fine initially. Then, a few days later, you notice something worrying. The ear looks red. It feels warm. Your child complains that touching it hurts. There may be discharge around the earring. You may immediately wonder: “Is this normal healing, or has the piercing become infected?” For parents, the distinction is important. Mild tenderness can occur after a new piercing. However, increasing pain, swelling, warmth or discharge may indicate infection. And there is another important point that many families do not realise: An infection involving the upper ear cartilage can be more serious than an ordinary earlobe infection. Let's explain why. What is normal after a new ear piercing? A new piercing creates a small skin wound. During the early healing period, you may notice mild tenderness, itching, or local redness. A little pale fluid may also dry into ...
Read more

Tonsil Stones or Tonsilloliths

Where do Tonsil Stones come from? Tonsil stones or tonsillolith are formed in the tiny crevices on the tonsil surface. Tonsils are present at the back of the throat. Two large tonsils on each side can catch food particles when we eat. This food debris can accumulate bacteria and give a bad smell. This mixture of bacteria and food debris can become solid to form tonsil stones. Can Tonsil Stones go away on their own? Tonsil stones form due to food particle and bacteria. You can prevent stone formation by regularly rinsing mouth after every meal, good oral hygiene and dental care. Gargling with salt water and gentle use of bud to deliver the stones can help in some cases. Soft water floss can help keep tonsil surface clean. If you have, post nasal drip due to sinusitis, seeking treatment advice from ENT surgeon can help. You should not use sharp objects to clean tonsil stones or make tonsil surface bleed. What symptoms do tonsil stones cause? Tonsil ston...
Read more

Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: Day-by-Day Guide After Tonsil Surgery

  Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: What to Expect Day by Day Adult tonsillectomy can significantly improve quality of life for people struggling with recurrent tonsillitis, chronic sore throats or repeated throat infections. However, recovery after adult tonsil surgery is often more uncomfortable than many patients expect. Understanding the normal stages of recovery can help reduce anxiety and allow patients to prepare properly before surgery. This guide explains what adults commonly experience after tonsillectomy, how to support recovery safely, and when to seek urgent medical advice. Why is adult tonsillectomy recovery difficult? The tonsils sit in an area that moves constantly during swallowing, eating and speaking. After surgery, the throat heals gradually over approximately two weeks. Adults generally experience: Significant throat pain Pain when swallowing Ear pain (referred pain from the throat) Tiredness and reduced energy Disturbed sleep Temporary bad brea...
Read more

Hoarse Voice That Won’t Go Away? Causes, Symptoms and When to See an ENT Specialist

  Hoarse Voice That Won’t Go Away?  Here’s What Your Voice May Be Trying to Tell You Most people experience a hoarse voice at some point, especially during a cold or after shouting. In many cases, the voice settles within a few days. However, if hoarseness lasts for several weeks or keeps returning, it may need specialist assessment. Persistent voice changes can sometimes be linked to voice strain, acid reflux, vocal cord nodules, inflammation or irritation of the voice box (larynx) . Occasionally, they may indicate a more serious underlying condition that should not be ignored. This guide explains the common causes of hoarseness, symptoms to watch for and when to seek ENT advice. What does “hoarse voice” mean? A hoarse voice may sound: Raspy Breathier than normal Weak or strained Croaky Rough Lower in pitch Some people also notice: Voice fatigue by the end of the day Difficulty projecting the voice Frequent throat clearing Discomfort when speakin...
Read more

Hoarseness or change in voice...

When should I get worried about my change in voice? Change in voice can be due to so many causes. It can be due to simple things like acid reflux, chronic cough, flu, post nasal drip leading to frequent throat clearing or due to cancer on the voice box.  "IF YOU HAVE CHANGE IN VOICE WHICH IS GETTING WORSE FOR MORE THAN 3 WEEKS, YOU NEED TO SEE AN ENT SURGEON." Other symptoms which can be present with a change in voice in cases of laryngeal cancer be weight loss when you are not dieting, a lump in the throat, earache, shortness of breath, throat pain. How does the ENT surgeon diagnose what is causing my hoarseness? Change is voice can be due to both non-cancer and cancerous reasons. On a visit to ENT voice specialist, he or she will take a full detailed history, access how your profession is affecting your voice and how voice change is affecting your job. After recording your quality of sound, an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera attached) is used to ...
Read more