Impact of long-term glue ear on children and their support needs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative exploration of the impact of long-term glue ear and related hearing loss on children and adolescents and their information and support needs
IRAS ID
263417
Contact name
Amanda Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 20 days
Research summary
Glue ear refers to a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. It is generally a temporary condition, which commonly occurs during childhood. At times, it may be accompanied by hearing loss. Although typically of a temporary nature, it may become long-term if the condition does not resolve or keeps recurring. Further complications may also arise. For children for whom this is the case, there is very little support in place as glue ear is expected to be temporary. However, research has shown that glue ear and related hearing loss lasting into later childhood and adolescence may influence developmental outcomes at these later ages. Hence, to better support children with long-term glue ear and related hearing loss, this impact needs to be explored.
The proposed research comprises of two studies. Study 1 will explore how the condition may affect children’s social interactive behaviour and how this may influence their learning and attainment. 7-18 year olds with the condition will be observed at school in order to describe their social interactions both in and out of the classroom. Teachers of these children will be interviewed to provide a view on how the child’s interactive behaviour influences their learning. They will also give their view on the support needs of families and children with the condition, which will feed into Study 2. 18-24 year olds who have or have had the condition will also be interviewed to explore whether there is any longer-term impact.
Study 2 will explore the support needs of families and children with long-term glue ear and related hearing loss using focus groups and interviews. We will recruit young people with the condition, parents of children and young people with the condition, and clinicians to define the general support needs from a range of perspectives. Findings may influence service delivery.REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0337
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion