Ear Infection and Speech Correlation?

We just had surgery for both of my sons to get tubes and to be quite honest I waited WAY too long and have major regrets. My oldest was VERY slow to talk and eventually did start talking but much like your son he never said some words correctly. My pedi thought it might self correct over time, but it didn't. When we finally got his tubes a month ago, the ENT was mortified! His ears were a mess. My youngest also needed tubes due to the neverending ear infections which caused fluid to constantly be in his ear. Well, after his tubes they did an ABR and he has permanent hearing loss in his right ear. I feel like such a failure for not realizing that he had a hearing problem, but I would HIGHLY recommend skipping the pedi and going straight to a GOOD ENT to get his hearing checked by an audiologist. It is worth every penny. We will be starting my oldest in speech therapy soon and my youngest has another ABR scheduled at the end of May and we have a better idea of how to proceed with him then. I do think 2 is young to panic, but the constant ear infections can cause speech delay. Good luck and PM me if you have any questions.

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Both of my children had ear infections almost constantly. They both had tubes put in. My son was tested for speech when he was about 4 because he was not speaking as clearly as other 4 year olds, but according to the evaluation, he was right on track! My daughter was tested at about the same age and definitely showed a delay. She is still in speech classes at the age of 7 because she is just so eager to learn new words that she does not take the time to learn how to pronounce them properly.

So, yes ear infections and tubes CAN have an impact on hearing and speech, but also every child is different. If you are really concerned, I would contact the local elementary school and they will get you all the information to get him evaluated. It is completely free even for little bitty ones. That is how I had both of mine tested, and as I said before my daughter is still in classes.

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To answer your question - yes. Ear infections can affect hearing problems in children. My son has a speech delay and they ALWAYS ask me this in his evaluations if he had many ear infections as an infant or toddler. He didn't. He's just delayed compared to his peers.

But they always ask those questions. Also... you could probably get private speech therapy covered by your health insurance since they could connect an actual medical incident (or many incidents) to his speech delay. I would suggest first start by getting a hearing test done at the pediatrician's office then ask about getting a referral to have ECI (early childhood intervention) to come out to your home to do a FREE speech evaluation. Your pediatrician's office should have all the contact info for this - in your area.
the FREE evaluation is easy, painless and it's the best way to see if your child need a little extra help. If after the ECI assessment they find a delay, they will work with you to start a speech therapy program for your son. ECI is very affordable -- payments are on a sliding scale based on income. ECI can come out to your home for the sessions -- they do this because most children are more comfortable in their home setting.

At 3 yr old, he will be too old for ECI help -- they will refer you to the ISD school district in your area to help with speech therapy. 3 & 4 yr olds can qualify for free preschool w/free speech therapy in your ISD if they are found to have a delay.

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I am a deaf ed teacher. Yes, the ear infections are probably effecting his speech if they are that constant, but he is only 2. You may be over-analyzing, but you also probably have a point. You probably want to talk with his doc a bit more about tubes. Does he need any speech intervention? Not now, but after the tubes, you may want to re-evaluate in a year. Give him time.

Also, Tina is wrong in her advice on how to handle his speech. You should never correct a child that young on their speech. It will only demoralize him & make him feel bad. Always MODEL the correct speech!! Example:

Son: Ight, Mama!
Mama: The light? Yes, I see the pretty light.

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My son didn't hardly speak at all at 2yrs old. He had many ear infections and when we finally took him to the ENT they did a hearing test and found he had mild hearing loss. As soon as tubes were put in he started forming words and completed words (the words he had been making weren't complete like your child). It has just been incredible the amount he's learned in one year. He's talking up a storm and isn't behind anymore. Its great! Well worth it!!! Feel free to write me for more info if you want our doctor's name. Good luck to you!!!

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