If you’ve noticed that your child is taking a little longer to speak clearly, use new words or put sentences together, it’s natural to feel worried. Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes delayed speech can be linked to hearing difficulties.
Speech delays are fairly common in early childhood, but they occasionally signal an underlying hearing issue. Here’s how hearing problems can affect speech development, what signs to watch for and when it’s time to seek help from a specialist.
How hearing affects speech and language development
Hearing and speech are closely linked, especially in the early years of life. Babies learn to talk by listening to the sounds and words used around them. If they cannot hear clearly – either all the time or intermittently – their speech development can be affected.
Some hearing problems are temporary and linked to conditions such as glue ear (fluid build-up behind the eardrum), which is particularly common in children under five. Others may involve longer-term hearing loss caused by middle ear infections, conditions present from birth or differences in ear anatomy.
Signs that hearing may be affecting your child’s speech
Speech delays can have many possible causes. But if hearing loss plays a role, you may also notice that your child:
- Frequently asks for things to be repeated or does not respond to their name
- Seems inattentive or struggles to follow simple instructions
- Has unclear speech or has difficulty forming certain sounds
- Speaks loudly or increases the volume on devices like a phone or TV
- Is prone to ear infections or has a history of glue ear
Children with undiagnosed hearing loss might also appear frustrated or withdrawn, especially in group settings such as nursery or school, where listening is more difficult.
Could it be glue ear?
Glue ear is a very common condition that affects many children at some point before the age of ten.
It happens when thick fluid collects behind the eardrum, reducing the movement of sound and causing temporary hearing loss. Many children grow out of glue ear, but persistent cases can interfere with speech development if left untreated.
If glue ear is suspected, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can assess your child’s ears using a simple, painless test called tympanometry. This test measures how well the eardrum moves in response to changes in air pressure, helping to detect any fluid behind the eardrum that could be affecting your child’s hearing.
In some cases, treatment with grommets (tiny ventilation tubes inserted into the eardrum) may be recommended to restore normal hearing. Grommets are temporary and will fall out by themselves as your child’s eardrum grows. They may stay in for six months, a year or longer in some cases.
Alternatives to surgery (grommets) include using an Otovent device or a hearing aid.
When to see a specialist
If your child’s speech seems delayed or they are showing signs of hearing difficulty, don’t wait for them to grow out of it. Early assessment plays a key role in helping your child catch up with speech and language milestones.
You should consider seeing an ENT specialist if:
- Your child isn’t using words by 18 months or short sentences by the age of three
- There is a family history of hearing loss
- You’ve noticed repeated ear infections or signs of glue ear
- Teachers or nursery staff have raised concerns about their hearing or communication
An expert ENT assessment can confirm whether hearing is a contributing factor and recommend the best course of action, from monitoring to medical treatment or referral for speech and language therapy (SLT).
Expert help from Mr Wale Olarinde
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or hearing, seeking specialist support is essential. Mr Wale Olarinde is an experienced ENT consultant with particular expertise in childhood ear conditions and speech-related hearing concerns.
To give your child the best start in their communication development, book an appointment with Mr Olarinde today for a thorough assessment and clear, compassionate advice.