{"title":"Ear Care – Glue Ear \u0026 Ear Pressure Relief","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrug-free, non-surgical ear care for children and adults.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich Otovent kit is right for you?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOtovent® for Children\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOtovent® for Adults\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChildren aged 3+ (adult supervision required)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdults\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalloons included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNose piece\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 reusable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 reusable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInflations per balloon\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMain uses\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGlue ear after colds or ear infections; muffled hearing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGlue ear, blocked ears, Eustachian tube problems, flying, diving, altitude\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth kits use the same calibrated balloon and the same autoinflation technique. The Adult kit contains more balloons for longer or repeated treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is glue ear?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlue 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Otovent autoinflation works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho can use Otovent?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults and children aged 3 and over. Children must always be supervised by an adult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should Otovent not be used?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow often is Otovent used?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTypically 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Otovent help with ear pressure when flying?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use ordinary balloons instead of Otovent balloons?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Only Otovent balloons are calibrated to the correct resistance. Toy balloons do not deliver the right pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOtovent is a medical device. Always read the instructions for use. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor or ENT specialist.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"otovent-children-glue-ear-treatment","title":"Otovent® for Children – Glue Ear \u0026 Ear Pressure Treatment Kit (Ages 3+)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOtovent® is a clinically proven, drug-free and non-surgical treatment for glue ear (Otitis Media with Effusion) in children aged 3 and over.\u003c\/strong\u003e Developed by ENT specialist Dr Sven-Eric Stangerup in 1994 and recommended by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Otovent has been used in over \u003cstrong\u003e2 million treatments worldwide\u003c\/strong\u003e. Each kit contains a reusable nose piece and 5 calibrated nasal balloons that gently open the Eustachian tube to relieve pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy parents choose Otovent\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-surgical alternative to grommets\u003c\/strong\u003e — clinical trials show Otovent can significantly reduce the need for ventilation tube surgery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrug-free\u003c\/strong\u003e — no antibiotics, no decongestants, no side-effect risk of medication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBacked by 4 randomised controlled trials\u003c\/strong\u003e and a Cochrane Review.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy for kids to use\u003c\/strong\u003e — inflating the balloon feels like a game and gives immediate positive feedback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree companion app\u003c\/strong\u003e — track treatment sessions and set reminders (iOS \u0026amp; Android).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMDR-compliant medical device\u003c\/strong\u003e with calibrated resistance for consistent, safe pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is glue ear?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlue ear — also called \u003cem\u003eOtitis Media with Effusion (OME)\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eear catarrh\u003c\/em\u003e — happens when clear fluid builds up in the middle ear behind the eardrum, usually following a cold or ear infection. The Eustachian tube swells and can't open normally to equalise pressure, so fluid collects and makes the eardrum less responsive to sound. The result is dulled or muffled hearing, and in young children this can affect speech and language development if left untreated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"position:relative;width:100%;max-width:800px;margin:24px 0;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n  \u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/-5Xf4fqhuuA?rel=0\u0026amp;modestbranding=1\" title=\"What is glue ear? Otovent explainer video\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;\" allow=\"accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSigns your child may have glue ear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurning up the TV or asking you to repeat yourself\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot responding when called from another room\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeech that seems less clear than before\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalance problems or clumsiness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplaints of a \"blocked\" or \"full\" feeling in the ear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecent history of a cold or ear infection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Otovent works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtovent uses a technique called \u003cstrong\u003eautoinflation\u003c\/strong\u003e. Your child inflates a specially calibrated balloon through one nostril, which creates positive pressure in the nasopharynx. That pressure gently opens the Eustachian tube, equalising middle ear pressure and allowing trapped fluid to drain naturally down the back of the throat. Both the inflation and deflation phases help the tube open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree simple steps\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnect\u003c\/strong\u003e — attach a balloon to the nose piece. Hold it firmly against one nostril and press the other nostril closed with a finger.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInflate\u003c\/strong\u003e — take a deep breath, close the mouth, then gently but firmly inflate the balloon to about the size of a grapefruit (10–12 cm). Swallow 1–3 times while the balloon is inflated.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRepeat\u003c\/strong\u003e — swap to the other nostril and repeat. Success feels like a small \"pop\" or click in the ear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"position:relative;width:100%;max-width:800px;margin:24px 0;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n  \u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/t7RRLs08TeY?rel=0\u0026amp;modestbranding=1\" title=\"How to use Otovent for children – demonstration video\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;\" allow=\"accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTreatment schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 times a day (morning, midday, evening) — one inflation per nostril each time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2 onwards:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 times a day (morning and evening).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach balloon can be inflated up to \u003cstrong\u003e20 times\u003c\/strong\u003e before it needs replacing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull effect can take a few months — consistency matters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 × reusable Otovent® nose piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 × calibrated Otovent® balloons (single-user)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarry case for storage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrated instructions for use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClinical evidence at a glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNICE Medtech Innovation Briefing (March 2016)\u003c\/strong\u003e — four randomised controlled trials in children showed significant improvement in middle ear function versus standard care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e (Perera et al., 2013) — autoinflation for hearing loss associated with OME.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWilliamson et al., CMAJ 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e — open randomised controlled trial in primary care, n=320.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStangerup et al., Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 1992\u003c\/strong\u003e — the foundational autoinflation study.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant safety information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for children \u003cstrong\u003eaged 3 and over\u003c\/strong\u003e. Treatment must always be supervised by an adult.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not use\u003c\/strong\u003e during an active cold, ear infection or upper respiratory tract infection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContraindicated in cases of severe nasal septal deformity, repaired cleft lip or palate, or scarred eardrums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe balloons contain \u003cstrong\u003elatex\u003c\/strong\u003e — consult a healthcare professional first if latex allergy is a concern.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare, transient side effects can include earache, headache, dizziness or minor nosebleeds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly use official Otovent® balloons — never substitute toy balloons, which have incorrect pressure characteristics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor or ENT specialist.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow quickly will I see results?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome children experience improvement within a few days. Full effect typically develops over weeks to a few months of consistent use. Early intervention after diagnosis produces the best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan my child use Otovent while they have a cold?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Otovent should not be used during a cold, ear infection or upper respiratory tract infection. Wait until symptoms have cleared before resuming treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Otovent painful?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It can take a few tries to master the technique — inflating the balloon should feel firm but not uncomfortable. Many parents demonstrate first so the child knows what to expect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I clean the nose piece?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse with mild detergent and warm tap water when needed. Do not clean the balloons — replace them after 20 inflations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need a prescription?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo prescription is required to purchase Otovent in South Africa. It is a Class I medical device intended for over-the-counter use. If your child has been diagnosed with glue ear, we recommend discussing Otovent with your GP or ENT specialist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Otovent be used before a flight?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Otovent is also effective for equalising middle ear pressure before, during and after flights, and at altitude in general.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the manufacturer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtovent® is manufactured by Circius Pharma (Sweden) and distributed in Southern Africa by Creatori Health. It is a CE-marked medical device compliant with the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Otovent","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67788936380615,"sku":"OTV-CHILD-001","price":299.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0534\/8874\/6695\/files\/otovent-child_image.png?v=1790670372"},{"product_id":"otovent-adults-glue-ear-treatment","title":"Otovent® for Adults – Glue Ear, Eustachian Tube \u0026 Ear Pressure Kit (10 Balloons)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOtovent® is the only clinically proven, drug-free and non-surgical treatment for glue ear (Otitis Media with Effusion) and Eustachian tube dysfunction in adults.\u003c\/strong\u003e Around one in three glue ear sufferers is an adult, and the condition often follows a cold or flu, causing dulled hearing, ear pain, dizziness or a constant \"blocked\" feeling. Otovent's calibrated nasal balloon uses a technique called \u003cstrong\u003eautoinflation\u003c\/strong\u003e to safely open the Eustachian tube — relieving pressure, restoring hearing, and helping fluid drain naturally. The Adult kit contains a reusable nose piece and \u003cstrong\u003e10 balloons\u003c\/strong\u003e for extended treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy adults choose Otovent\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNICE-recommended\u003c\/strong\u003e non-surgical option, backed by clinical trials and a Cochrane Review.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrug-free\u003c\/strong\u003e — safe alongside other medication, no side-effect risk from antibiotics or decongestants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast relief for blocked ears\u003c\/strong\u003e after colds, flu, sinus congestion or barotrauma.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for frequent flyers, divers \u0026amp; high-altitude travellers\u003c\/strong\u003e — equalises middle ear pressure on demand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReusable\u003c\/strong\u003e — 10 balloons per kit, each usable up to 20 times.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree companion app\u003c\/strong\u003e to track sessions and set reminders (iOS \u0026amp; Android).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMDR-compliant medical device\u003c\/strong\u003e with calibrated resistance for consistent, safe pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUsed in over 2 million treatments\u003c\/strong\u003e across 25+ years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is glue ear in adults?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlue ear — clinically known as \u003cem\u003eOtitis Media with Effusion (OME)\u003c\/em\u003e — is a common condition in which the middle ear fills with fluid instead of air. It usually follows a cold, flu or sinus infection. The Eustachian tube (which normally opens when you swallow or yawn to equalise pressure) becomes blocked, negative pressure builds in the middle ear, and thick \"glue-like\" fluid collects behind the eardrum. Hearing becomes muffled and communication at work or socially can become difficult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSymptoms of glue ear \u0026amp; Eustachian tube dysfunction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuffled or reduced hearing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \"blocked\" or \"full\" feeling in one or both ears\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEar ache or discomfort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVertigo, dizziness or balance problems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNausea in more severe cases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePopping, clicking or crackling sounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifficulty equalising pressure when flying, diving or driving over mountain passes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Otovent works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtovent uses \u003cstrong\u003eautoinflation\u003c\/strong\u003e. You inflate a specially calibrated balloon through one nostril, generating positive pressure in the nasopharynx. That pressure gently opens the Eustachian tube, equalising middle ear pressure and allowing trapped fluid to drain naturally down the back of the throat. Both the inflation and deflation phases contribute — a mechanism no other over-the-counter option replicates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree simple steps\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnect\u003c\/strong\u003e — attach a balloon to the nose piece. Hold it firmly against one nostril and press the other nostril closed with your index finger.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInflate\u003c\/strong\u003e — take a deep breath, close your mouth, and gently but firmly inflate the balloon to about the size of a grapefruit (10–12 cm). Swallow 1–3 times while the balloon is inflated.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRepeat\u003c\/strong\u003e — swap to the other nostril and repeat. Success feels like a small \"pop\" or click in the ear as pressure equalises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"position:relative;width:100%;max-width:800px;margin:24px 0;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n  \u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/ymuvV5QUMqE?rel=0\u0026amp;modestbranding=1\" title=\"How to use Otovent for adults – demonstration video\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;\" allow=\"accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended treatment schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 times a day (morning, midday, evening) — one inflation per nostril each time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2 onwards:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 times a day (morning and evening).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach balloon can be inflated up to \u003cstrong\u003e20 times\u003c\/strong\u003e before replacement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull therapeutic effect may take several weeks to a few months of consistent use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor flying: use once before boarding, once during descent, and once after landing as needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 × reusable Otovent® nose piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 × calibrated Otovent® balloons (single-user)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarry case for storage \u0026amp; travel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrated instructions for use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAlso useful for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAir travel\u003c\/strong\u003e — prevent and relieve ear pain during ascent, descent and cabin pressure changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScuba diving\u003c\/strong\u003e — assist with pressure equalisation before descent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-altitude travel\u003c\/strong\u003e — mountain passes, hiking, skiing, or altitude changes that affect the ears.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePost-cold or post-flu blocked ears\u003c\/strong\u003e — clear residual pressure without medication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBarotrauma recovery\u003c\/strong\u003e (once cleared by a healthcare professional).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClinical evidence at a glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNICE Medtech Innovation Briefing (March 2016)\u003c\/strong\u003e — four randomised controlled trials confirmed significant improvement in middle ear function versus standard care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e (Perera et al., 2013) — autoinflation for hearing loss associated with OME.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWilliamson et al., CMAJ 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e — open randomised controlled trial in primary care, n=320.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStangerup et al., Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 1992\u003c\/strong\u003e — foundational autoinflation study.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlanshard et al., Clinical Otolaryngology 1993\u003c\/strong\u003e — conservative treatment of OME by autoinflation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant safety information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not use\u003c\/strong\u003e during an active cold, ear infection or upper respiratory tract infection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContraindicated in cases of severe nasal septal deformity, repaired cleft lip or palate, or scarred eardrums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe balloons contain \u003cstrong\u003elatex\u003c\/strong\u003e — consult a healthcare professional first if you have a latex allergy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare, transient side effects can include earache, headache, dizziness or minor nosebleeds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you experience severe pain, sudden hearing loss, or symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, consult a doctor or ENT specialist.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly use official Otovent® balloons — toy balloons will not deliver the correct pressure and may cause treatment failure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot a substitute for medical diagnosis. If you are unsure whether you have glue ear, consult a healthcare professional first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow quickly will I feel results?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany users notice improvement within days of starting consistent treatment. Full effect typically develops over several weeks. Early intervention produces the best outcomes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use Otovent on a plane?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Otovent is well suited to preventing and relieving ear pressure before boarding, during descent, and after landing. It's also useful before scuba diving and at altitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use Otovent if I have a cold?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Do not use during a cold, ear infection or upper respiratory tract infection. Wait until symptoms have cleared before resuming treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow is Otovent different from Valsalva?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Valsalva manoeuvre relies on forceful exhalation against a closed nose and mouth, which can be difficult to control and may generate too much pressure. Otovent's balloon is calibrated to deliver \u003cstrong\u003ea consistent, safe pressure\u003c\/strong\u003e every time, and works via the more effective nasal-balloon autoinflation mechanism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I clean the nose piece?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse with mild detergent and warm tap water when needed. Do not clean the balloons — replace them after 20 inflations. Store the nose piece and balloons in the carry case, away from direct light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need a prescription?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo prescription is required to purchase Otovent in South Africa. It is a Class I medical device intended for over-the-counter use. If your symptoms are persistent or severe, please consult a doctor or ENT specialist first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does one kit last?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Adult kit's 10 balloons, at 20 inflations each, provide up to 200 inflations in total — enough for months of treatment based on the recommended schedule. Replacement balloon packs are available separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the manufacturer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtovent® is manufactured by Circius Pharma (Sweden) and distributed in Southern Africa by Creatori Health. 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