Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Glue ear

Glue ear means fluid behind the eardrum without an acute ear infection. It mainly occurs in children and can cause temporary hearing loss. It often clears on its own, but persistent hearing loss can affect language, learning and behaviour.

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Glue ear means fluid behind the eardrum without an acute ear infection. It mainly occurs in children and can cause temporary hearing loss. It often clears on its own, but persistent hearing loss can affect language, learning and behaviour.

  • Reduced hearing, often asking for repetition or turning up the television and devices.
  • Not responding when someone speaks quietly or from behind.
  • Speak close by, at eye level and with your face visible to the child.
  • Reduce background noise and provide a seat close to the teacher at school.
  • Make an appointment for suspected hearing loss, language delay or a persistent feeling of fullness in the ear.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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E
Ear infection (middle ear)In a middle ear infection, inflammatory fluid is present behind the eardrum. Children in particular develop sudden ear pain and fever after a cold. Most infections recover on their own, but young babies, seriously ill children and complications need prompt assessment.
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Grommets (ear tubes)Grommets are small tubes that ventilate the middle ear through an opening in the eardrum. They are mainly used in children with persistent middle-ear fluid causing hearing problems or certain recurrent ear infections. Grommets usually fall out on their own.
H
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