Glue Ear causing speech delay

[JennyAuker]

Evening all. My 2 yo was diagnosed as having glue ear (both ears) 6 months ago but on the last appt. last week was confirmed all gone. He is still however behind on his speech (we guess as a result), lots of babbling and noises but very limited words. We want him to be included as his peers have started communicating with one another. Does anyone have any advice how we can help encourage speech? I’m playing all the nursery rhymes and dancing and signing along like a maniac but he doesn’t seem remotely interested.

Have you had a look at ICan @JennyAuker? I think there are some resources on there

If nursery rhymes aren't his thing, I would say talk about what he (and you) are doing, and what he is interested in. 'Blocks. We're playing blocks', 'Yes, a bus, a big bus', 'Your coat. Let's put on your coat' and so on.

I think it's often also suggested to play in ways that mean they have to say something (however approximate) to get something to happen, so 'more' or 'bubbles', then you blow more bubbles, 'go', then you push the car down the ramp, or whatever. You demonstrate what needs to be said a few times, then leave a pause for him to try to say it.

How is his understanding? You could also try offering choices where he can't just point, like asking if he wants an apple or a banana without showing him the fruit or asking if he wants to go to the park or the shop.

My son's hearing has fluctuated due to ear wax build up which comes and goes. This has resulted in him being speech delayed. We have seen various speech therapists who offer advice and I have found the following to be most effective for us:

• Environment: I didn't realise but young children cannot block out background noise. Therefore if there is music or a TV or even just a washing machine in the background then they cannot fully focus or hear what you are saying. So the best thing you can do is to create a quiet environment for your child. So I now don't have any music on during the day unless we are doing nursery songs.

• Simple language: Start off by just saying single words and pointing. For example when out for a walk point and say Car, Tree, Park etc. Once he starts saying these words then add a word e.g. Blue Car, Big Tree. Then just keep adding a word extra on to where he is at e.g. A big fast blue car.

• Face to face: Get down to their level as much as possible and try to get them to look at you when saying words. I find this easier to do at the table so have now added some table based activities to our play such as crafts, stickers and activity books. This allows him to see how I am saying words.

Does your son go to nursery? If so ask if they are able to do any quiet or 1:1 time with him. Nurseries are busy and noisy places so if they are able to take him to a separate room for a few activities a week this might also help.

Hi OP, all @LucyBrown88 recomandations implemented into everyday life will help your DC with speech. I would aldo add:

• add visual clues as much as you can
• give your DC time to respond, count to 10 in your head then if your DC does not repeat of respond then repeat the same word( or if you expand' a blue car' or comment ' I see a blue car')

My DS is struggling with GE since 18m old& also has speech delay but after over a year of using all these strategies consistently his speech has improved massively, yes it takes time& each child progresses differently& sometimes you think gosh all this effort& not much back but it does work). It is also important to check his understanding ( e.g using ages and stages questionnaire) as others mentionned. I would also recommend a book ' It takes two to talk' a bit pricey but absolutely brilliant guide for parents of children with s&l delays. Hope that helps.