My child has an ear infection. Will it affect their language development?

Otitis (ear infection) is one of the most common childhood conditions, especially from birth to age three. During episodes of otitis, a child may experience up to 40% hearing loss. This temporary hearing loss can significantly impact their language development.

🔊 Why can ear infections affect speech?

Children learn to speak by listening. If they cannot hear clearly or miss important linguistic input from their environment, their language experience becomes limited. This can affect their speech clarity and verbal expression.

The impact depends on:

• The age at which otitis first occurs
  • The frequency of infections
  • The duration of hearing loss
  • The presence or absence of inflammation (e.g., silent otitis media with effusion may go unnoticed)

📌 Watch for signs such as:

• Difficulty responding to verbal instructions
  • Turning the TV volume up too high
  • Excessive activity or unusual apathy
  • Reduced attention and focus

If you observe such signs, consult your pediatrician or an ENT specialist. If there are also signs of speech or language delays, seek help from a Speech and Language Therapist for a professional assessment.

Maria Lazarou
Speech and Language Therapist (SLP, BSc, M.A)
Head of the Multidisciplinary Team at Evlogon