In addition to medical treatment, there are some self-care measures that can help manage glue ear:

Practice good hygiene: Keeping the ears clean and dry can help prevent infections that may contribute to glue ear. Avoid inserting any objects into the ears, and gently clean the outer part of the ear with a soft cloth.
Avoid exposure to irritants: Avoid smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, as it can worsen Eustachian tube dysfunction and contribute to glue ear. Minimize exposure to allergens or pollutants that may trigger respiratory infections or allergies.
Follow a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration, can help boost the immune system and prevent infections that may contribute to glue ear.
Practice good ear care during swimming or bathing: Keeping the ears dry during swimming or bathing can help prevent water from getting trapped in the middle ear, which can increase the risk of developing glue ear.
Follow recommended treatment plans: If you or your child are diagnosed with glue ear and prescribed medications, ear tubes, or other treatments, it is important to follow the recommended treatment plan as advised by your ENT specialist. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

While most cases of glue ear resolve without any long-term complications, untreated or recurrent glue ear can potentially lead to complications. These may include:

Hearing Loss: Glue ear can cause mild to moderate hearing loss, which can impact speech and language development, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Timely diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent long-term hearing loss and its potential effects.
Speech and Language Delays: Glue ear, especially in children, can affect speech and language development if left untreated. The hearing loss caused by glue ear can interfere with the ability to hear and process speech sounds, leading to speech and language delays or difficulties.
Social and Emotional Impact: Glue ear can also have social and emotional impacts, particularly in children. Hearing loss can affect communication, social interactions, and self-esteem, leading to difficulties in academic and social settings, and potential long-term impacts on mental health.
Academic Performance: Untreated or recurrent glue ear can impact academic performance in children. Hearing loss can affect the ability to hear instructions, participate in classroom discussions, and follow along with lessons, potentially leading to difficulties in learning and academic achievement.
Recurrence: Glue ear can sometimes recur even after treatment, leading to repeated episodes of middle ear fluid accumulation. This may require additional medical interventions and monitoring to prevent long-term complications.

As an out-patient procedure, Frenulectomy typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete and is done under local anesthesia. Dr. Shree Rao has extensive experience in performing Frenulectomy procedures with minimal discomfort to the patient, ensuring a safe and effective outcome.