Otovent Autoinflation Device - Clinically Effective Treatment for Glue Ear

Product Information

Approximately 200,000 children per year in the UK either attend GPs or are seen in the community per year with OME. There is a four in five chance a child will get an ear effusion in the first 10 years of their life. Xylitol is a plant-based product, which is usually used as a sweetener in food. It’s lower in calories than sugar and can be used by diabetics. Xylitol has been shown to inhibit the type of bacteria that can be a cause of tooth decay and ear infections. Breastfeeding (chestfeeding): Breastmilk (chestmilk) provides vital nutrients that your baby needs to help fight off infections. Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to get glue ear.

Runny noses have been reported in a small number of children using the nasal balloon. When should my child NOT use the nasal balloon? Otovent should not be used if you are suffering from acute otitis media or upper respiratory tract infection. How do I use Otovent?This is the most common symptom of glue ear. Your child's hearing does not go completely and the temporary hearing loss is often mild. However, the severity of hearing loss varies from child to child, is sometimes quite severe and can vary from day to day in the same child. Keep out of reach of children. The treatment of children should always be supervised by an adult. Never use toy balloons in performing the Otovent method as toy balloons do not give the proper inflation pressure and may cause treatment failure. Avoid your child swimming in lakes or non-chlorinated pools. The water in these places usually has a high bacteria count and infection is more likely to occur. The balloons contain latex, if you are allergic to latex or latex products consult your physician before using this product. If you experience any allergic symptoms, stop treatment and consult your physician. MIBs are not NICE guidance. They differ in format, contain no judgement on the value of the technology and do not constitute a guidance recommendation.

The Ear Popper® is a more expensive device that is battery operated. It is inserted into one of your nostrils and shoots tiny jets of air into your nose to get more air into your Eustachian tube.The treatment is suitable for children from about the age of 4 years old, although children as young as 3 have been reported as able to inflate the nasal balloon.

Otovents are available on prescription. Ask your GP or ENT consultant about whether they think it will be suitable for your child. MIBs provide a description of the medical technology, including its likely place in therapy, the costs of using the technology and a critical review of the strengths and weaknesses of the relevant published evidence. In the UK, xylitol can be found in small amounts in some types of chewing gum, children's vitamins and toothpaste. Other xylitol products currently available in the United States include granules, nasal sprays and sweets. A nasal spray containing xylitol has been developed and is available from health food and vitamins and supplements suppliers and online. If the hearing tests suggest there is hearing loss, your child will be referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon for treatment. Perera R, Glasziou PP, Heneghan CJ et al. Autoinflation for hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(5):CD006285.Other parents reported problems continuing treatment over a longer period. Parents tried to make the treatment fun for the children: A referral to an audiologist or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist may be advised at some point. This may be straightaway for babies who have hearing loss. (This is to rule out other serious causes of hearing loss.) It may be after a period of watchful waiting in older children who previously had good hearing. Hearing tests and ear tests can confirm the cause of hearing loss and show the degree of hearing loss if it is present. Glue ear treatment Can medication clear glue ear? Produced by the University of Southampton and Bazian on behalf of NIHR through the NIHR Dissemination Centre