If you’re a parent or carer then you may well have heard about glue ear, or your children may have experienced it. One of the most common treatments for persistent glue ear and recurring ear infections is the insertion of a little device called a grommet. There were nearly 1,000 private hospital admissions for this procedure in the first three months of 2026.

PHIN has published a new patient guide to help parents and carers understand grommets. The guide explains what grommets are, how they work, when they may be recommended, and what families can expect before and after treatment.

Glue ear occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, which can affect hearing and, in some cases, speech and language development. Grommets are tiny tubes inserted into the eardrum to help ventilate the middle ear and reduce the build-up of fluid.

The guide is designed to support informed decision-making by providing clear, easy-to-understand information about the procedure, potential benefits, and alternative treatment options.

Parents and carers can read the full guide here: Grommets in children . You may also be interested in our more general guide for parents considering private treatment for their child .