Ear Care – Glue Ear & Ear Pressure Relief
Drug-free, non-surgical ear care for children and adults. Our ear care range features Otovent®, a clinically documented autoinflation device used in more than 2 million treatments to relieve glue ear (Otitis Media with Effusion), blocked ears and middle ear pressure. Choose the Children's kit (ages 3+, 5 balloons) or the Adult kit (10 balloons).
Which Otovent kit is right for you?
| Otovent® for Children | Otovent® for Adults | |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Children aged 3+ (adult supervision required) | Adults |
| Balloons included | 5 | 10 |
| Nose piece | 1 reusable | 1 reusable |
| Inflations per balloon | Up to 20 | Up to 20 |
| Main uses | Glue ear after colds or ear infections; muffled hearing | Glue ear, blocked ears, Eustachian tube problems, flying, diving, altitude |
Both kits use the same calibrated balloon and the same autoinflation technique. The Adult kit contains more balloons for longer or repeated treatment.
What is glue ear?
Glue ear, also called Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) or ear catarrh, is a build-up of fluid in the middle ear behind the eardrum. It usually follows a cold or ear infection, when a swollen Eustachian tube can no longer open to equalise pressure. The trapped fluid makes the eardrum less responsive, causing muffled hearing, a blocked feeling, and sometimes ear ache or balance problems. Most children have glue ear at some point, and around one in three sufferers is an adult.
How Otovent autoinflation works
The user inflates a specially calibrated balloon through one nostril. This raises pressure in the back of the nose, which gently opens the Eustachian tube, equalises middle ear pressure and allows fluid to drain. The method was developed in 1994 by Danish ENT specialist Dr Sven-Eric Stangerup. A 2016 NICE Medtech Innovation Briefing reviewed four randomised controlled trials in children, all showing significant improvement in middle ear function compared with standard care.
Frequently asked questions
Who can use Otovent?
Adults and children aged 3 and over. Children must always be supervised by an adult.
When should Otovent not be used?
Do not use Otovent during a cold, ear infection or upper respiratory tract infection. The balloons contain latex; if you have a latex allergy, speak to a healthcare professional before use.
How often is Otovent used?
Typically three times a day in the first week, then twice a day, inflating the balloon once through each nostril per session. Full effect can take several weeks to a few months.
Can Otovent help with ear pressure when flying?
Yes. Otovent can be used before, during and after a flight to equalise middle ear pressure, and is also used before scuba diving and at altitude.
Can I use ordinary balloons instead of Otovent balloons?
No. Only Otovent balloons are calibrated to the correct resistance. Toy balloons do not deliver the right pressure.
Otovent is a medical device. Always read the instructions for use. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor or ENT specialist.
