Glue Ear Discharge in Children: Should You Be Worried?

Every parent notices when their child tugs at an ear, seems less responsive to sound, or suddenly complains of discomfort. It's natural to worry—especially when visible fluid comes from the ear. For many children, this could point to a common yet often misunderstood condition called glue ear.

While glue ear itself doesn't always cause discharge, when fluid begins leaking out, parents may be unsure about what to do next. Is it serious? Should you see a specialist? Does it mean infection?

We’ll explain what glue ear discharge means, why it happens, and when to seek medical advice—so you can feel confident about your child’s ear health.

What Is Glue Ear?

Glue ear (also known as otitis media with effusion) is a condition where sticky, thick fluid builds up behind the eardrum in the middle ear. It's very common in children, particularly between the ages of 2 and 6.

Unlike ear infections, glue ear usually develops without pain or fever. It may follow a cold or upper respiratory infection or develop quietly over time. Most children with glued ears are unaware anything is wrong until their hearing is affected.

Signs of Glue Ear:

• Hearing difficulties or delayed response to sound

• Speech or language delays

• Balance issues or clumsiness

• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)

• Mild ear discomfort

• Behavioural changes (especially in noisy environments)

Is Glue Ear Discharge Normal?

In most cases, glue ear doesn't involve ear discharge. The fluid remains trapped behind the eardrum, invisible to the outside. However, glue ear discharge may occur in some children, and it's usually a sign of something more.

Discharge from the ear (also called otorrhoea) may indicate:

1. A ruptured eardrum – pressure from fluid build-up or infection can cause the eardrum to tear, releasing the thick fluid.

2. An active middle ear infection (acute otitis media) – occurs when bacteria or viruses infect the trapped fluid, leading to pus or cloudy discharge.

3. A grommet (ventilation tube) in place – in children with grommets, discharge can pass through the tube if infection or inflammation occurs.

What Does the Discharge Look Like?

Glue ear discharge can appear:

• Yellow or white

• Thick and sticky (like mucus or glue)

• Occasionally blood-tinged

• Foul-smelling (if infection is present)

If you notice discharge lasting more than a day, especially if it’s coloured or odorous, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional.

What Causes Glue Ear to Worsen or Lead to Discharge?

Several factors can make glue ears more likely to cause symptoms or complications:

• Frequent colds or allergies

• Exposure to smoke or air pollution

• Poor Eustachian tube function (common in children due to shorter, flatter tubes)

• Previous ear infections

• Enlarged adenoids that block the ear’s drainage pathway

In the UK, it’s estimated that around 8 in 10 children will experience glue ear at least once before age 10. While many cases resolve independently, around 1 in 3 may persist for several months or lead to complications like discharge.

When Should You Worry About Glue Ear Discharge?

While some cases clear up without intervention, certain signs suggest a need for specialist care:

See an ENT Specialist if:

• The discharge lasts more than 2–3 days

• It has a foul smell or unusual colour

• Your child has pain, fever, or seems unwell

• You notice hearing loss or delayed speech

• Discharge occurs despite grommet placement

• There is recurring or frequent discharge

Persistent glue ear with discharge may lead to longer-term hearing problems or speech delays, especially if not properly addressed.

Diagnosis: What to Expect

Your child’s assessment will begin with a gentle examination and history. Tools like otoscopy, tympanometry, and audiometry help identify:

• Presence of fluid in the middle ear

• Damage or perforation of the eardrum

• Level of hearing loss

• The function of any grommets, if present

Sometimes, a nasal endoscopy or hearing test may also be recommended to understand the full picture—especially if symptoms have been ongoing for several months.

Management Options for Glue Ear Discharge

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and whether other symptoms are present.

1. Watchful Waiting

Short-term observation may be advised if the discharge is mild and the child seems well. Many cases are clear with time and basic ear care.

2. Antibiotic Drops

If there is an active infection, antibiotic ear drops may be prescribed. These are especially effective when grommets are in place.

3. Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics may be combined with drops for children with more widespread symptoms (fever, pain).

4. Grommet Insertion

If the glue ear recurs or discharge becomes frequent, a grommet (tiny ventilation tube) may help air reach the middle ear and allow fluid to drain. This is a common, short outpatient procedure.

5. Adenoidectomy

ENT specialists may recommend adenoid removal during grommet insertion in children with enlarged adenoids contributing to glue ear.

Conclusion

Discharge from your child’s ear can feel alarming—but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be. Recognising the difference can help you act quickly and protect your child’s hearing and comfort, whether it's a one-time event or a sign of something more persistent.

Located in Harley Street and Chelsea, ENT LDN provides private ENT care using the latest technology in a calm, child-friendly setting. Contact ENT LDN to book your child’s appointment today.