Look out for glue ear
The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) reports that one in five children between the ages of one and three years old will experience glue ear this winter.
NDCS is warning parents and professionals to look out for glue ear, which can easily be mistaken for stubborness and rudeness, which can damage a child's early education and social development.
Like permanent deafness, severe glue ear can make it very difficult for young children to communicate and can delay early speech and language development as well as affect behaviour and educational progress.
According to NDCS, glue ear occurs when the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid. It is one of the most common childhood illnesses and reason for children to visit their GP. Effects of the illness include becoming tired or frustrated, a lack of concentration, preferring to play alone and not responding when called.
A free glue ear information leaflet can be downloaded from the NDCS website.
