Otovent® is a clinically proven, drug-free and non-surgical treatment for glue ear (Otitis Media with Effusion) in children aged 3 and over. 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 2 million treatments worldwide. 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.
Why parents choose Otovent
- Non-surgical alternative to grommets — clinical trials show Otovent can significantly reduce the need for ventilation tube surgery.
- Drug-free — no antibiotics, no decongestants, no side-effect risk of medication.
- Backed by 4 randomised controlled trials and a Cochrane Review.
- Easy for kids to use — inflating the balloon feels like a game and gives immediate positive feedback.
- Free companion app — track treatment sessions and set reminders (iOS & Android).
- MDR-compliant medical device with calibrated resistance for consistent, safe pressure.
What is glue ear?
Glue ear — also called Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) or ear catarrh — 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.
Signs your child may have glue ear
- Turning up the TV or asking you to repeat yourself
- Not responding when called from another room
- Speech that seems less clear than before
- Balance problems or clumsiness
- Complaints of a "blocked" or "full" feeling in the ear
- Recent history of a cold or ear infection
How Otovent works
Otovent uses a technique called autoinflation. 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.
Three simple steps
- Connect — attach a balloon to the nose piece. Hold it firmly against one nostril and press the other nostril closed with a finger.
- Inflate — 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.
- Repeat — swap to the other nostril and repeat. Success feels like a small "pop" or click in the ear.
Treatment schedule
- Week 1: 3 times a day (morning, midday, evening) — one inflation per nostril each time.
- Week 2 onwards: 2 times a day (morning and evening).
- Each balloon can be inflated up to 20 times before it needs replacing.
- Full effect can take a few months — consistency matters.
What's in the box
- 1 × reusable Otovent® nose piece
- 5 × calibrated Otovent® balloons (single-user)
- Carry case for storage
- Illustrated instructions for use
Clinical evidence at a glance
- NICE Medtech Innovation Briefing (March 2016) — four randomised controlled trials in children showed significant improvement in middle ear function versus standard care.
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Perera et al., 2013) — autoinflation for hearing loss associated with OME.
- Williamson et al., CMAJ 2015 — open randomised controlled trial in primary care, n=320.
- Stangerup et al., Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 1992 — the foundational autoinflation study.
Important safety information
- Suitable for children aged 3 and over. Treatment must always be supervised by an adult.
- Do not use during an active cold, ear infection or upper respiratory tract infection.
- Contraindicated in cases of severe nasal septal deformity, repaired cleft lip or palate, or scarred eardrums.
- The balloons contain latex — consult a healthcare professional first if latex allergy is a concern.
- Rare, transient side effects can include earache, headache, dizziness or minor nosebleeds.
- Only use official Otovent® balloons — never substitute toy balloons, which have incorrect pressure characteristics.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor or ENT specialist.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly will I see results?
Some 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.
Can my child use Otovent while they have a cold?
No. Otovent should not be used during a cold, ear infection or upper respiratory tract infection. Wait until symptoms have cleared before resuming treatment.
Is Otovent painful?
No. 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.
How do I clean the nose piece?
Rinse with mild detergent and warm tap water when needed. Do not clean the balloons — replace them after 20 inflations.
Do I need a prescription?
No 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.
Can Otovent be used before a flight?
Yes. Otovent is also effective for equalising middle ear pressure before, during and after flights, and at altitude in general.
About the manufacturer
Otovent® 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).