Getting ahead of hearing loss

The truth is simple: children who can’t hear well, can’t speak well.

Glue ear causes temporary – but in some cases prolonged – hearing loss. And yet, despite the fact that it affects around one in five children at any given time, there has historically been no national screening programme for glue ear, meaning many children slip through the cracks – particularly those who are quiet, compliant, or able to mask their difficulties.

Universal glue ear screening delivered through early years settings and schools is changing this picture, ensuring children are identified earlier and supported sooner, before developmental gaps widen.

As paediatric audiologists consistently highlight, testing hearing at birth and again in Year 1 of primary school is simply not enough. Children can experience repeated episodes of glue ear throughout the early years – often up to age seven and sometimes beyond. Without timely, consistent glue ear checks, the condition can go undetected for months at a time. During these critical windows, children may miss out on the sound foundations needed for language, learning and social development.

Because glue ear is painless and fluctuating, it is frequently misinterpreted. In early years settings, educators may observe that a child:

￭ responds inconsistently to their name

￭ appears inattentive during group times

￭ relies heavily on watching peers

￭ struggles with following instructions

￭ shows delayed or unclear speech

￭ becomes frustrated, withdrawn, or fatigued

Crucially, these children may cope well in one-to-one interactions but struggle significantly in noisy, language-rich environments.

Early educators are uniquely placed to notice patterns over time. High-quality observation can identify:

￭ fluctuating attention and engagement

￭ plateaus or regression in communication

￭ differences between quiet and busy environments

When concerns arise, discussions with parents and carers should focus on observed impact, not diagnosis. Clear, specific examples support families in seeking assessment and help educators contribute meaningfully to a graduated approach. Signposting families and staff to My Little Ears short online training will support families to feel more confident and informed about Glue Ear. There is a contact form on their website (mylittleears.co.uk) which, once filled in, will give you the link to complete the accessible and informative training

Given current delays, support cannot wait for diagnosis. Inclusive, communication-friendly strategies should be embedded as universal practice:

￭ Gain attention before speaking

￭ Reduce background noise where possible

￭ Use visual supports and clear routines

￭ Position children close during group times

￭ Repeat and rephrase key information

￭ Allow additional processing time

These adjustments benefit all children and are essential for those with fluctuating hearing.

Families want the best for their child, and early educators play a vital role in ensuring hearing is not the barrier that holds a child back. By listening to concerns, sharing observations, and advocating for timely checks, educators help ensure children’s communication needs are recognised early – when support is most effective.

Glue ear is common, hidden and time-sensitive. While many cases resolve naturally, the developmental impact of missed listening opportunities can be lasting. Early educators are often the first — and sometimes only — people in a position to notice that something isn’t quite right.

Early years professionals are not expected to diagnose glue ear — but they are essential partners in ensuring it does not go unnoticed. Through the My Little Ears

Universal Glue Ear Screening Programme, a trained professional visits partner settings and schools once each term to carry out glue ear screening for all children aged six months to seven years whose parents have given consent.

Screening results are shared with parents and setting staff on the same day, alongside practical guidance, supportive resources, and clear signposting to relevant audiological or medical services where needed. This timely feedback ensures that concerns are addressed promptly rather than being lost in lengthy waiting lists.

Many parents are unaware that glue ear can cause temporary hearing loss. Too often, children are instead labelled as naughty, inattentive, slow to speak, or difficult to manage, when the underlying issue is simply that they cannot hear clearly. With the introduction of universal glue ear screening, glue ear will no longer slip through the cracks. Catching it early, we protect children’s communication, learning, and wellbeing – because even short-term hearing loss can have a lasting impact on a child’s development.

My Little Ears provides different levels of partnership depending on your needs, from becoming ‘glue ear-aware’ through their free online training, to becoming a screening partner which is also free. The Universal Glue Ear Screening Programme is currently available to settings in London and surrounding areas.

Early years settings can register to take part by signing up at mylittleears.co.uk/join-as-anursery-partner.

The programme is completely free of charge, as the screening is fully sponsored by My Little Ears. Current capacity allows for up to 1,000 settings across London and nearby regions, with screenings delivered once each term by trained professionals.

The programme will be rolled out nationally in phases, and places will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Settings outside the current delivery areas are strongly encouraged to register interest, as My Little Ears plans to expand rapidly and deliver termly universal glue ear screening nationwide.