The short answer
Glue ear, a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum, often clears up on its own within about three months, so doctors usually watch and re-test hearing first. Grommets, tiny tubes placed in the eardrum, are offered when glue ear lasts and the child's hearing loss is affecting speech, learning or behaviour. The operation is short, done under general anaesthetic as a day case, and the grommets usually fall out on their own within a year.
Book grommet insertion, from ₦195,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Signs your child may have glue ear
Glue ear is common in young children and is usually painless, so it is often missed. Parents and teachers may notice:
- Turning the TV up loud or sitting very close to it
- Not answering when called, or saying "what?" often
- Speech that is late or unclear compared with other children
- Poor attention or falling behind at school
- Tiredness, frustration, or seeming to be in their own world
- Clumsiness or poor balance
First: a hearing test and watchful waiting
An ENT specialist examines the ears and arranges a hearing test and a test of how the eardrum moves. UK guidance recommends a period of active monitoring, usually around three months, because many cases clear without treatment. Antibiotics, decongestants and antihistamines do not cure glue ear.
While you wait, face your child when you speak, get their attention first, reduce background noise at home, and tell their teacher so they sit near the front of the class. Some children old enough to follow instructions can use autoinflation, blowing up a special balloon with the nose, which the specialist can show you.
When grommets help
Grommets are usually offered when glue ear is still there after the monitoring period, in both ears, with hearing loss that is affecting the child's speech, development, education or behaviour. Hearing aids are an alternative some families choose, and they are often preferred for children with Down syndrome or a cleft palate. The specialist will go through the options with you.
Sometimes the adenoids are removed at the same time, if they are large or the child has repeated problems. The specialist will explain if that is advised.
The operation
Your child has a short general anaesthetic. The surgeon makes a tiny opening in the eardrum through the ear canal, sucks out the fluid, and places the grommet in the opening. There is no cut on the outside. Most children go home the same day and are back to normal within a day or two. Many parents notice the improvement in hearing quickly.
The grommet usually falls out on its own within six to twelve months as the eardrum heals. Most children do not notice. Glue ear can come back afterwards, and some children need grommets again.
Living with grommets
- Bathing and showering are usually fine; avoid soapy water sitting in the ear
- Surface swimming in a clean pool is usually fine; ask your surgeon about diving and about ear plugs
- Avoid swimming in lagoons, rivers, streams or dirty water
- A discharge from the ear means a grommet infection: see the doctor, who may prescribe ear drops
- Keep the follow-up appointment for a repeat hearing test
What it costs on Mezo
Day case. Home within a couple of hours.
Common questions
Will grommets damage my child's eardrum?
Usually the eardrum heals fully once the grommet falls out. Sometimes a small hole remains or a white mark forms on the eardrum. Your surgeon will check at follow-up.
Can glue ear cause permanent deafness?
Glue ear itself usually causes temporary hearing loss. The concern is the effect on speech and learning while it lasts, which is why it is watched and treated if it persists.
Can my child fly with grommets?
Yes. Grommets often make flying more comfortable, because they let pressure even out behind the eardrum.
How much do grommets cost in Lagos?
On Mezo grommet insertion starts from ₦195,000. The specialist assesses your child and the hearing test results first, then you get a written all-in quote and pay online.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Otitis media with effusion in under 12s. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Glue ear. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.