Homeopathy for glue ear (Otitis Media with effusion)
Updated: Sep 21
Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion, is common in children and may sometimes cause hearing difficulties without obvious pain or other symptoms.
In this article, I explain what glue ear is, some of the symptoms and patterns that may be experienced, and homeopathic remedies that are traditionally considered.
If your child has hearing difficulties or persistent symptoms, it is important to seek appropriate medical advice and have their hearing assessed.
Every winter, I have experienced enquiries in the pharmacy like below,
"I have caught a cold and it is difficult to recover quickly."
"After having a cold, I have been coughing persistently for a few weeks, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better."
"After having a cold, my ears remain blocked and it doesn't seem to go away."
When a child continues to have blocked ears after a cold, it can sometimes be related to glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion.
In this article, I explain what glue ear is, some of the symptoms that may occur, and homeopathic remedies that are traditionally considered in homeopathy.
#1 - What is glue ear?
Glue ear is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the middle ear and does not drain. The fluid gradually thickens with time and can become as sticky as glue.
This condition is known as 'otitis media with effusion' in the medical world, and it can persist from weeks to months.
Glue ear is more common in children. This is because the Eustachian tube is smaller and flatter in young children.
Because the Eustachian tube is smaller and more horizontal in young children, it can be more difficult for fluid to drain from the middle ear.
#2 - Things to consider
Every child is different, so it can be helpful to observe the individual symptoms and how they change over time.
If you are concerned about your child's hearing, if symptoms persist, or if you are unsure about what may be causing the symptoms, it is important to seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional. A hearing assessment may be recommended depending on the situation.
#3 - Homeopathic remedies traditionally considered
These are some of the remedies traditionally considered in homeopathic materia medica when the individual symptoms and overall picture correspond to their characteristic patterns.
The descriptions below are intended to explain the traditional homeopathic picture of each remedy. They are not intended to suggest that a particular remedy treats glue ear, or to replace appropriate medical assessment or hearing evaluation.
Calc Carb
Ear symptoms tend to recur after catching a cold, particularly when there is a pattern of earache and difficulty hearing.
Symptoms may be worse from cold, changes in temperature, blowing the nose, sneezing or swallowing.
Chamomilla
Very painful earache, with marked sensitivity to having the ears touched.
Symptoms may be worse from cold air, but better when the child is carried, wrapped warmly or gently moved.
This remedy is traditionally associated with the symptom picture often seen in infants and young children.
Kali Mur
A chronic or blocked-ear picture, particularly when there is a sensation of noise, ppooing or pressure in the ear when swallowing or moving the jaw.
Kali Sulph
A picture involving ear discharge, sinus congestion or respiratory symptoms.
The discharge may be yellow, and there may also be mouth breathing or snoring. These symptoms may occur alongside a more chronic ear picture.
Merc Dulcis
Blocked ears and difficulty hearing, particularly when ear symptoms are more pronounced or persistent.
It may also be considered when ear symptoms develop after swimming.
Pulsatilla
Ear symptoms that develop after a cold, particularly when there is a sensation of pressure or fullness in the ear.
Symptoms may be worse after blowing the nose, at night or in warmth, and better in fresh air or with gentle movement.
Silicea
A chronic picture with blocked ears, hearing difficulties and sticky or strong-smelling discharge.
Symptoms may be associated with changes in the seasons, catching a cold, cold air, changes in position or blowing the nose, and may be better from warmth or keeping the ears covered.
For more information about potency and dose, please see my article:
Conclusions....
Every child’s experience of glue ear can be different. The symptoms, how long they last, and how they affect hearing can vary from child to child.
The homeopathic remedies described above are examples of remedies traditionally considered in homeopathic materia medica. They are not intended to replace appropriate medical assessment or hearing evaluation.
When should you seek medical advice?
Glue ear can sometimes improve on its own, but hearing difficulties should not be ignored. If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, if symptoms persist, or if you are unsure what is causing the symptoms, please speak with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional. A hearing assessment may be recommended depending on the situation.
If your child develops worsening symptoms, significant ear pain, discharge from the ear, or a noticeable change in hearing, please seek appropriate medical advice rather than relying on homeopathic remedies alone.
Symptoms and their individual patterns can vary from child to child, and the same homeopathic remedy may not be appropriate for everyone. A homeopathic consultation provides an opportunity to talk through your child’s symptoms, health history and individual experience before considering whether homeopathy may be appropriate for them.
If you would like to discuss your child’s situation with me, you are welcome to book a 15-minute introductory chat.
If you would like to learn more about homeopathy, you may also find my other articles helpful.
Love and gratitude
Hiroko
References :
Lockie.A. (1998) The Family Guide To Homeopathy The Safe Form of Medicine for the Future. Revised Edition. Penguin Books. Ltd. London England.
National Deaf Children’s Society. ‘Glue Ear’. https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/causes-of-deafness/glue-ear/
College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy. ‘Cranio-sacral therapy and the treatment of common childhood conditions’ (22 June 2017) https://www.ccst.co.uk/cranio-sacral-therapy-treatment-common-childhood-conditions/#:~:text=Recurrent
