For healthcare professionals
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Otovent®
treats glue ear
Otovent treats glue ear (Otitis Media with Effusion, OME) by equalising negative pressure in the middle ear. When Otovent is used, positive pressure is generated in the nasopharynx, which equalises pressure in the middle ear at the Eustachian tube. Both the passive inflation phase and the active deflation phase enable the Eustachian tube to open. About half of all cases of glue ear will normally resolve in one to three months. However, because symptoms can last a long time, there may be a desire to speed up the process. Otovent can be used if the patient does not have an ear infection or an upper respiratory tract infection. Studies show that Otovent can equalise negative pressure in the middle ear, thereby improving hearing and relieving other symptoms of glue ear.
Four randomised controlled trials, all in children, have shown that using the device causes significant improvements, compared with standard care, in middle ear function; 1 of the trials also reported a significant reduction in the need for ventilation tube (grommet) insertion surgery.

Otovent® for prevention and relief
Otovent is the only proven clinically effective, non-surgical, drug-free treatment available for glue ear (OME). Regulating pressure in the middle ear is a known and important mechanism in the treatment of middle ear disorders in children and adults. Normally, pressure in the middle ear is equalised by swallowing or yawning. If the mechanisms to regulate negative pressure are not working properly, after a few weeks fluid will form, leading to hearing loss.
Frequently asked questions
Is using Otovent uncomfortable?
When should patients begin using Otovent?
My patient can’t inflate the Otovent balloon. What do I do?
My patient is worried that Otovent might damage their ear. Are they right to be concerned?
Why is it important to treat blocked ears?
Does Otovent have side effects?
Can Otovent be used if you have a cold?
Can Otovent be used on a plane?
Studies behind Otovent®
Otovent has undergone extensive clinical trials and the clinical data on Otovent is listed below. Summaries of results of studies conducted by Abigo Medical AB.
NICE
Perera R et al
Autoinflation for hearing loss associated with otitismedia with effusion. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD006285. DOI: 10.1002/ 14651858.CD006285. pub2
NICE
Williamson et al
Effect of nasal balloon autoinflation in children with otitis media with effusion in primary care: an open randomized controlled trial n=320. CMAJ 2015. DOI:10.1503 / cmaj.141608
NICE
Stangerup et al
Stangerup, S.E., Sederberg-Olsen, J., Balle, V. Autoinflation as a treatment of Secretory Otitis Media. Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Vol 118, Feb 1992, 149-152.
NICE
Hanner et al
Non surgical treatment of otitis media with effusion. Indian Journal of Otology Vol.3, No.3 (Sept.97), 101-107
NICE
Blanshard et al
Conservative treatment of otitis media with effusion by autoinflation of the middle ear. Clin. Otolaryngol. 1993, 18, 188-192
NICE
Ercan et al
Long term effect of autoinflation in the treatment of otitis media with effusion.