In this project, Dr Jason Powell at Newcastle University aims to investigate why children get glue ear and explore ways to develop treatments.
Project start date: September 2026
Project end date: September 2029
About the project
“Glue ear”, or ‘otitis media with effusion’, is one of the most common causes of hearing loss in children. Although not fully understood, it is thought to be linked to an abnormal response to germs in the nose, which causes swelling and a glue-like fluid to collect behind the ear drum.
A mass of tissue at the back of the nose called ‘adenoids’ is an important area for interacting with the germs we breathe in. The adenoid is also very closely associated with the space behind the ear drum.
In previous studies, researchers found that children with glue ear have problems with the development of infection-fighting defences. To better understand this problem, the researchers developed a novel “disease-in-a-dish” model of both the adenoid and the part of the ear behind the ear drum (the glue ear site) in the lab.
Dr Jason Powell’s team aims to investigate why children get glue ear, including how they respond to germs, and explore ways to improve the function of the infection-fighting cells.
How it works
The researchers will take adenoid samples from children who are already having an “adenoidectomy” (surgical removal of the adenoids) with and without glue ear. They will then grow the adenoid cells in the lab and expose them to germs, to understand why they may not function effectively. They will also explore how these adenoid cells impact on cells from the affected part of the ear, and the production of glue. Finally, the researchers will test drugs that might make adenoid cells function more effectively.
What will this research achieve?
By carrying out this work, the researchers will improve knowledge and understanding of the causes of glue ear in children. They will build on previous work and develop lab models of the middle ear and adenoids, which will be useful to other researchers. Finally, they will set the foundations to develop new, non-surgical treatments for glue ear, and so prevent a common cause of hearing loss in children.
Why it matters
Persistent glue ear can result in speech delay, adversely impact educational performance, and lead to social isolation. Current treatment options, hearing aids or a surgical procedure to clear the fluid, have limitations and significant costs to healthcare systems.
About the researcher
Dr Jason Powell is an MRC Clinician Scientist and Honorary Consultant Paediatric ENT Surgeon at Newcastle University and The Great North Children’s Hospital, and was awarded a Discovery Research Grant in 2026.
His research program focuses primarily on understanding the role of immune dysfunction in infectious and inflammatory diseases within the airway and middle ear cleft, particularly in children. This work spans bench to bedside; including laboratory and translational clinical research.
As a children’s ENT surgeon, I see how hearing problems affect not just a child’s ears, but their speech, confidence, school progress and family life. Glue ear might sound minor, but during key stages of development it can have a real impact. If we can improve treatments, we can potentially change a child’s whole trajectory. That’s incredibly motivating.”
