Good Listening Conditions for Learning

Glue ear affects up to 20% of pre-school and reception aged children at any one time, and up to 80% of all children before the age of 10 years. Glue ear usually resolves spontaneously within 3 months. However, 30-40% of children have recurrent episodes and 5-10% of episodes last for more than a year. During this time, and without appropriate awareness and support, glue ear can also have a significant impact on a child's language development and educational attainment. Some groups of children are known to be at risk of having long-term glue ear e.g. those born with a cleft palate or Down syndrome.

If you suspect a child in your setting has glue ear you can make a referral to the school health support worker who will undertake a hearing screen. The following Advice Sheet may be useful if a diagnosis of glue ear is confirmed.

Virtual School Sensory Support is offering half a day's training (the cost of £20 per delegate) to ensure staff have a basic understanding of glue ear, its prevalence and impact. If you would like to attend a training session on the the 4 November 2019 and 13 January 2020 at PDC, Norwich please contact: sensorysupport@norfolk.gov.uk