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OTITIS MEDIA What is Otitis Media? Otitis media is an inflammation in the middle ear which is usually associated with a buildup of fluid. Symptoms, severity, frequency, and length of the condition vary from a single short period with a slight decrease in hearing ability, through to possible complications such as permanent hearing loss. With early identification, serious medical complications can be controlled with medicine or surgery. However, this often results in fluctuating hearing loss.
Why is Otitis Media so common in children? The Eustachian tube, is the passage between the middle ear and the back of the throat, it is smaller and more nearly horizontal in children than in adults, resulting in blockage by conditions such as large adenoids and infections.
How can Otitis Media cause a hearing loss? Fluid in the middle ear means the eardrum is not able to vibrate. The result may be a mild or even a moderate hearing loss. Therefore, some speech sounds may be muffled or inaudible. Generally temporary, but when Otitis media occurs over and over again, the damage can cause permanent hearing loss.
Can hearing loss due to Otitis Media cause speech and language problems? - Children learn speech and language from listening to other people talk.
- If a hearing loss exists, a child does not get the full benefit of language learning experiences, delaying speech and language development.
Otitis media without infection shows no symptoms of pain and fever. Therefore, weeks and even months, can go by before parents suspect a problem. During this time, the child may miss out on hearing the speech and language needed for normal development.
How can I tell if my child might have Otitis Media? - Even if there is no pain or fever, look for inattentiveness, wanting the television or radio louder than usual, misunderstanding directions, listlessness, unexplained irritability, pulling or scratching the ears.
What should I do if I think that Otitis Media is causing a hearing, speech, or language problem? - Ear infections require immediate attention, most likely from a the family doctor, a pediatrician or otorhinolaryngologist (ENT specialist). Recurring infections and/or chronic fluid in the middle ear may require two additional specialists: an audiologist and a speech-language pathologist.
- Audiologist's evaluate the severity of any hearing impairment and will indicate if a middle ear disorder is present.
- Speech-language pathologists measure specific speech and language skills and can recommend and/or provide remedial programs when they are needed.
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