Ear Infections and Speech Development

Ear Infections and Speech Development 

CAUSES 

Did you know that it's common for children to have at least one ear infection before their first birthday?  

Ear infections are more common in children because of the way their ears develop. In children, the tube in the ear that drains fluid is smaller and not tilted (like with adults). This makes it easier for infections to form and block the tube. (Fluid and Infection) 

It's also possible to get fluid in the middle ear that does NOT become an infection. This is more common in children under the age of two but can happen at any age. (Just fluid)  

EFFECTS 

Why does it matter if children have fluid in their ears? 

Fluid in a child's ears can make it harder for them to hear and can even cause a measured degree of mild hearing loss! Imagine trying to listen to someone talk while underwater. Words will sound muffled, and many sounds will be difficult to hear at all.  

If a child cannot hear, then they cannot practice language, and they cannot hear subtle speech differences (like the difference between 's' and 't'). Just a few infections will probably not impact your child's speech and language development. But, constant and untreated (especially for a long period of time) CAN impact their exposure to language and this can delay their development. 

Note: Not ALL children have trouble hearing during ear infections. For some, hearing loss may only happen briefly and have no impact. (Approximately 81% of children will have ear infections that will clear up without any interventions)  

WHEN TO BE CONCERNED?  

For children under the age of two, the concern is that RECURRING fluid build-up or infections could be happening during critical periods of language development, resulting in speech or language delays!  

--Recurring: -an ear infection that will not go away, 3 ear infections within a 6-month period or 4 infections within a 12-month period. 

Unfortunately, you may not always know when your child has fluid in their ears, and it can remain for weeks, or even months, without any real symptoms. However, if you start to notice that your child has lost sounds or is babbling less, this should trigger a call to your pediatrician so that they may check their ears for fluid. 
 

WHAT CAN I DO? 

Your child’s anatomy is the biggest factor when it comes to the increased chance of ear infection and that is completely out of our control, however, these are a few additional factors to consider that may help to reduce the occurrence of ear infections: 

  • Do not drink while lying flat: The eustachian tube in young children is short and points almost directly to the back of the nose. If children lay on their backs and drink, the fluid can roll up behind their nose and make the swelling worse for ear drainage. 

  • This lying flat position should be kept in mind for bottles, sippy cups or breastfeeding. Raising your baby’s head will reduce the risk of adding extra fluid to the back of the nose, which can worsen ear infections. 

  • Managae stomach acid reflux: Many babies have mild vomiting after feeding. Some babies have significant vomiting after and between meals. Babies often vomit out of their mouth AND nose. This stomach acid in the back of the nose can cause more swelling…which may worsen ear infections. 

  • If your child has recurrent ear infections and tends to spit up more often than you think is normal, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. 

  • Diagnose and manage allergies, especially food allergies: 

  • Infants can absolutely have allergies! Some breastfed babies develop food allergies due to reactions to foods that their mothers are eating. 

  • Food allergies have a wide range of symptoms. Stomach and digestion problems are common symptoms, but nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, eczema, and rashes are also common. 

The number 1 thing that we always recommend is having your pediatrician check your child's ears if you suspect a speech delay. Proper treatment of recurring infections and/or fluid in the ears can significantly improve the child's delays because luckily, the hearing loss suffered from ear infections, in most cases, can be restored as soon as that infection clears up! 

If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development, ProActive is here to help your child THRIVE! 

Sydney Euchner