One of the biggest contributors to language delay is children having difficulties with their hearing. It’s something we often don’t think about once they’ve passed their newborn hearing screening - but hearing can actually fluctuate depending on their health.

So when we find ourselves asking, “Why isn’t my child talking yet?” we must always first consider their hearing. It wouldn’t be fair to expect them to speak if they couldn’t clearly hear the words we’re saying.

A FREE CHECKLIST to support you at your GP visit is at the bottom of the blog.

What causes hearing difficulties in children?

The most common cause of hearing issues in young children is ear infections. There are three main types of ear infections, and some of the symptoms can easily be mistaken for teething or general fussiness. I often describe them as sneaky - because children can experience them without showing the obvious signs we’d expect.

When fluid builds up behind the eardrum, it’s like trying to hear with your head underwater. Sounds are muffled and unclear. Often, a child’s hearing improves when they’re feeling well and declines again when sickness returns - creating a frustrating, fluctuating cycle.

What to look for

Here are some simple questions you can ask yourself to figure out whether your child’s hearing might be affecting their language development:

• Do they have a history of ear infections?
• Do they often have a runny nose?
• Do they breathe through their mouth or drool a lot?
• Do they avoid certain food textures?
• Do their tonsils look red or swollen?
• Do they snore at night or breathe loudly?

💡 Note: Large tonsils or adenoids can be a sign of ongoing inflammation, which may also affect hearing.

Signs of a current ear infection may include:

• High temperature
• Redness, pain or itchiness around the ears
• Clear or yellow fluid discharge
• Dizziness or vomiting
• Sore throat
• General fussiness
• Sleep disturbances

Some children may show all of these signs. Others might just be waking more frequently at night or rubbing their ears more than usual.

What should you do if you're concerned?

If your child has had frequent ear infections - or you’re now wondering if that might be the case - the best place to start is your GP. They can examine your child’s ears, arrange a hearing screen, or refer you to a specialist if needed. They’ll also be able to treat any current infection and keep a record of recurring issues.

Publicly funded procedures like grommet insertion or removal of adenoids and tonsils are usually reserved for children who have frequent infections and additional concerns, such as language delay or breathing difficulties. This is why it’s so important to have every suspected infection checked and documented - it helps build the case for treatment, if needed.

Final thoughts

As parents, we know our children best. If something doesn’t feel quite right - like your child isn’t meeting communication milestones, or they seem constantly unwell - it’s worth trusting your instincts and seeking support.

You’re not overreacting. You’re advocating.

When it comes to hearing, even small improvements can make a big difference in how your child connects, learns, and finds their voice.

And until their hearing improves, it’s important to adjust our expectations. You wouldn’t want to learn a new language while listening underwater - muffled and unclear. It’s the same for them.

Simple strategies like getting face to face, using gestures, and speaking clearly can really help them understand and stay connected while their ears (and words) catch up.

Want to feel more confident at your next GP visit?
Download our free printable checklist to take with you - it’s designed to help you advocate for your child and get the support they need.
[Download the checklist here]