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Speech Therapy: Otitis media (ear infections)
- Acute otitis media, which is also called an ear infection, occurs when infected fluid fills the middle ear space. This fluid may remain in the ear after the infection is treated (usually with antibiotics).
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) occurs when the middle ear space is filled with uninfected fluid. This can occur during a bout of the common cold, when the small tube connecting the ear and the throat (Eustachian tube) becomes plugged.
When fluid fills the middle ear space, the bones of the ear are not able to vibrate properly which impedes the conduction of sound. Sound may be muffled or not heard. Fluid can remain in the middle ear space weeks after the initial infection has been resolved. Although temporary, a mild hearing loss often results. When several ear infections occur during a child’s formative language years, delays in speech and language development are possible.
How can I tell if my child has otitis media?
Acute otitis media is almost always painful and a young child may become irritable when experiencing one. They may pull at their ears and run a mild fever. A child with OME may not recognize physical symptoms, however. If you see the following behaviors in your child, a trip to the doctor may be in order:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Delayed response or no response when spoken to
- Saying "huh?" often
- Not following directions well
- Turning up sound on radios, TV, CDs
- Withdrawing from other children
- Being over-active or uncooperative
In addition, if your child recently had an ear infection, be alert for one or more of the above symptoms. Since these symptoms can also be indicative of other developmental and behavioral problems, further investigation by a medical professional is recommended.
What does otitis media have to do with speech/language development?
During the first three years of life, children learn to speak and understand the meanings of words. Coincidentally, this is also the time when otitis media is most prevalent. As with any skill, children begin to learn language by experimenting with and imitating the sounds and words they hear. Thus, when hearing is compromised, so too is the ability to verbally imitate. Because of this, it is especially important for parents of children with chronic otitis media to be familiar with speech/language developmental milestones. (Please note resources on back of brochure)
How can I help my child who has persistent middle ear fluid?
These suggestions will help all children stay healthy. They may be especially important for children who tend to get ear infections and ear fluid.
- Wash child and adult hands after blowing noses or going to the bathroom.
- Clean toys that have been in a child’s mouth before another child plays with them.
- Follow directions for giving medicine so that it is given on time and for the entire time that is recommended.
- Bottle-feed in an upright or slightly leaning A child should not be put to bed with a bottle and should not be propped in bed. Those practices may cause the liquid from the bottle to go up a small tube leading to the middle ear, causing middle ear fluid.
- Keep children away from smoke. Cigarette smoke increases a child’s chance of middle ear disease.
Source:
"Ear Infections and Language Development"
By Joanne E. Roberts, Ph.D. & Susan A. Zeisel, Ed.D.
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncedl/PAGES/page12.htm
