Untreated ear infections can lead to: Infection in other parts of the head. Lasting (permanent) hearing loss. Speech and language problems.
Can ear infections cause speech delay?
Having fluid in the middle of the ear is not good , especially if it is consistently happening; it can make it harder for children to hear, and this can lead to speech and language delays. It is not always easy to know when your child has an ear infection, and they may show you in various ways.
Can ear infections cause speech problems?
It may be harder to hear and understand speech if sound is muffled by fluid in the middle ear. Some researchers report that frequent hearing loss in children with middle ear fluid may lead to speech and language difficulties.
Can an ear infection cause neurological problems?
The deadliest complication of otitis media is a brain abscess , an accumulation of pus in the brain due to an infection. The most common symptoms are headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, neurologic deficits and altered consciousness.
What problems can an ear infection cause?
Ear infections that happen again and again, or fluid in the middle ear, may lead to more -significant hearing loss . If there is some permanent damage to the eardrum or other middle ear structures, permanent hearing loss may occur. Speech or developmental delays.
Can ear infections cause delayed walking?
Some children with glue ear will show problems with balance and delayed walking. These children typically stand by age 10-12 months holding on to the furniture, but fall over as soon as they let go.
Can multiple ear infections delay speech?
Children with repeated ear infections may not develop speech and language skills at the typical rate.
When should I be concerned about ear infection?
You should contact your doctor immediately if: The symptoms do not improve within 3 days . Body temperature rises above 100.4 degrees as an accompanying fever could indicate a more serious infection. Ear infections are being experienced regularly, as they can eventually lead to hearing loss.
How long can an ear infection go untreated?
How Long Do Ear Infections Last? Middle ear infections often go away on their own within 2 or 3 days , even without any specific treatment. In some cases, an infection can last longer (with fluid in the middle ear for 6 weeks or longer), even after antibiotic treatment.
What happens if you dont treat an ear infection?
Untreated chronic ear infections can also cause tears in the eardrum . These tears will typically heal within a few days, though in more extreme cases, surgical repair might be required. The other primary risk of leaving an ear infection untreated is that the infection could spread beyond the ear.
Will ear infection clear on its own?
Most ear infections cure themselves without the help of antibiotics . “An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the ear. It becomes painful when buildups of fluid and inflammation occur in the air-filled space behind the eardrum,” says Leanna Munoz, Mayo Clinic Health System nurse practitioner.
What kills an ear infection?
Antibiotics are strong medicines that can kill bacteria. For ear infections, doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics that you swallow in pill or liquid form. However, eardrops can sometimes be safer and more effective than oral medicines.
How do I get my hearing back after an ear infection?
If you’ve had an ear infection and are still having difficulties hearing, see your doctor. Other things can cause conductive hearing loss, but it may be possible that you may have some damage. If it turns out it’s permanent, hearing aids will help you hear again.
Can chronic ear infections cause developmental delays?
It is not uncommon for infants and toddlers to experience fluid in the middle ear or ear infections at some point during their early years. However, long-term ear infections or fluid in the middle ear that may go untreated can cause speech delays
How do you drain fluid from your middle ear at home?
- Jiggle your earlobe. ...
- 2. Make gravity do the work. ...
- Create a vacuum. ...
- Use a blow dryer. ...
- Try alcohol and vinegar eardrops. ...
- Use hydrogen peroxide eardrops. ...
- Try olive oil. ...
- Try more water.
How do you drain fluid from your middle ear?
How long does it take for fluid in the ear to go away in adults? It can take up to three months for fluid in your ear to clear up on its own. 3 If you continue to have problems, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics and look for an underlying condition that requires additional treatment.
