Ear Infections + Speech/Language Development
Did you know that it's common for children to have at least one ear infection before their first birthday?
An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by bacteria when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. The scientific name for an ear infection is otitis media (OM). Anyone can get an ear infection, but children get them more often than adults. 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. 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.
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 range of hearing loss (double ear infections have a greater impact)! Imagine trying to listen to someone talk while underwater. Words will sound muffled, and many sounds will be difficult to hear at all!
(Note: Not ALL children have trouble hearing during ear infections. For some, hearing loss may only happen briefly and have no impact).
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!
Signs of an ear infection
It’s not always obvious when a child has an ear infection (more than once I have found out during a routine well-child visit!), and since babies likely don’t have the words yet, they are unable to tell us.
Some signs to look for:
Tugging or pulling the ear (Note: this can also be a sign of a tooth coming in, as the nerve radiates toward the ear)
Crying more than usual
Fever
Not responding to sounds
Trouble sleeping
Fluid draining from her ear
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. We always recommend 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.
“Ear Infections (Otitis Media).” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, ASHA, www.asha.org/public/hearing/Otitis-Media/. Accessed on 7/28/2020
“Ear Infections in Children.” National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 14 Dec. 2020, www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children#9.
