Can glue ear come back even while a grommet is still in place?

Yes, it can, although the pattern may be different. In some cases the tube may become blocked, stop functioning as expected, or the ear may still develop symptoms that need review.

Why does one child seem to need more than one grommet while another does not?

Children develop differently, and some remain more prone to middle ear fluid for longer than others. Factors such as age, frequent colds, adenoids, and Eustachian tube function can all influence whether glue ear returns.

Can recurrent glue ear affect behaviour before anyone notices hearing loss?

Yes, that can happen. Some children become tired, frustrated, quieter, or seem inattentive because they are missing parts of conversation rather than because of a behavioural issue.

Is it possible for glue ear to be worse in winter and better in summer?

Yes, some families notice that pattern. Recurrent colds and upper respiratory infections during colder months can contribute to fluid build-up and make symptoms more noticeable.

Can a child hear normally in a quiet room but still struggle with glue ear?

Yes. Mild hearing changes often become more obvious in noisy places such as classrooms, playgrounds, or family gatherings where listening takes more effort.

Does recurrent glue ear always cause pain?

No, not always. Many patients have reduced hearing, pressure, or a blocked sensation without the obvious pain that is more typical of an acute ear infection.

Can swimming or water exposure cause glue ear to come back after a grommet?

Glue ear itself is usually related to middle ear ventilation rather than swimming. Even so, water precautions may sometimes be discussed depending on the patient's history and symptoms.

Why might a child with recurrent glue ear also snore or breathe through the mouth?

These symptoms can sometimes point to enlarged adenoids or ongoing nasal blockage, which may affect the Eustachian tube and middle ear. That is one reason the nose and throat may be assessed as part of ENT review.

Can adults get glue ear again years after childhood grommets?

Yes, adults can develop glue ear, but the reason may be different from childhood patterns. Persistent or one-sided symptoms in adults should be assessed properly rather than assumed to be temporary.

If symptoms improve on their own, is review still needed?

Sometimes symptoms do settle without further treatment, especially after a cold. Review may still be helpful if the problem keeps returning, hearing seems affected, or there is uncertainty about the cause.

Grommets Archives - Melbourne ENT

Coping With Recurrent Glue Ear Even After Grommets

01/07/2026 Dr Simon Braham

Why does glue ear come back after grommets? Glue ear can return after a grommet because the underlying cause of fluid build-up, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction, adenoids, or recurrent infections, may still be present. While a grommet helps ventilate the ear temporarily, it does not always resolve the underlying issue permanently. For many families,
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Diving and Water Sports with Grommets

09/06/2026 Dr Simon Braham

Grommets, also called ear tubes or ventilation tubes, are very common in both children and adults. They are usually recommended to help with problems such as glue ear, recurrent ear infections and hearing difficulties. For many families in Melbourne, water is a big part of life, from local swimming lessons to beach holidays along the
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Are Grommets Safe for My Child – Common Myths and Facts

22/05/2026 Dr Simon Braham

If your child has one ear infection after another, or has been told they have glue ear, it is very natural to feel worried. You might notice the television creeping up in volume, teachers in Melbourne kindergartens or schools mentioning hearing concerns, or your child saying “what” more often than usual. At the same time,
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Adult with chronic ear problems discussing grommet surgery - Melbourne ENT Image

Chronic Ear Problems in Adults: When Grommet Surgery May Be Considered

20/04/2026 Dr Simon Braham

Chronic ear problems are often seen as childhood issues, but many adults in Melbourne and across Victoria live with ongoing ear fullness, muffled hearing or repeated infections. Symptoms can creep in gradually and become part of everyday life, even though they may affect work, social interactions and overall wellbeing. Grommets, also called ventilation tubes or
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Can My Child Swim or Bathe With Grommets?

16/04/2026 Dr Simon Braham

When a child needs grommets Melbourne, many parents feel relieved that something is being done to help with ear infections and hearing. Very quickly, a new question appears. Parents in Melbourne often ask whether their child can still go to swimming lessons, enjoy beach days and relax in the bath without causing more ear problems.
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