Children’s health: Issue with your child’s speech development might be their ears

When it comes to understanding speech and language development, it’s easy to feel alone in determining if your child is behind and what they may need to catch up on. There are, of course, ways that parents and guardians can ensure children develop speech at a healthy pace, but an element which often goes understated is your child’s ability to hear.

When a child may start to show signs of a speech delay, one of the first steps a parent can take is to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Since hearing plays a role in the foundation of speech, language and social skills, it can affect your child’s entire ability to interact with others at school and at home.

According to a 2024 study by the National Institutes of Health, upwards of 75% of the differences in linguistic performance within a group of children can be explained by hearing loss, age during an audiological issue diagnosis, use and age of hearing aids, and the amount of language intervention if hearing issues are found. All of which indicates that early intervention can play a pivotal role in a child’s language development.

In addition to audiologists, otolaryngologists (ENTs) are a good professional source for underlying physical or structural issues hindering a child’s language development. ENTs are able to help by doing things like using tubes to drain fluid out of the ear, removing enlarged tissues in the mouth or throat to improve articulation, and releasing “tongue-tie” to improve a child’s vocal range of motion.

“Speech delays in young children are often multifactorial, but ENT-related conditions — such as recurrent ear infections, fluid in the ears, or airway obstruction — are common contributors,” said Dr. Kathryn Colman, an otolaryngologist affiliated with Ascension Saint Joseph — Chicago. “Timely evaluation allows us to address these barriers and support normal speech and language development.”

Outside of these clinical examples, adults can promote language development at home by regularly reading with their children and incorporating at least one book into their bedtime routine. Parents can also self-narrate during routines such as diaper change, making dinner, or playing with toys.

This can help their child build connections between what they hear and what they see, and ensures that parents are exposing their child to new vocabulary in their daily routines.

If, after 12-24 months, you notice that your child is not developing like their peers, it may be time to contact your pediatrician. It will never hurt to get an evaluation and receive helpful tips on how to encourage your child to use their words to communicate.

• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ascension Illinois.