MODEL RELEASED. Ear examination. A doctor examines a child's ear for excessive wax and glue ear". He is holding a viewing instrument called an otoscope in the child's ear, in order to obtain a magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum. Glue ear is a common problem in children. It is caused by the build up of sticky fluid in the middle ear, lead- ing to impaired hearing. Treatment includes decon- gestants to help the fluid to drain. Excessive wax can block the ear canal, causing partial deafness. It can be removed with forceps (if hard) or by flushing out the ear canal with a syringe of warm water (if the wax is soft)."