Glue Ear Diagnosis in 17MO - how many words should an 17MO be saying

[JezzaJ9]

Glue Ear Diagnosis in 17MO - how many words should an 17MO be saying

My DS who us 17.5 MO has been diagnosed with Glue Ear, it was only picked up as when he was born he was on Antibiotics so after he passed his hearing test it was recommended to be reviewed just in case.

He has been put on a course of Antibiotics to prevent any Ear infections (he has only had one) for 3 months and then he has to have another test.

The ENT Dr said that he should be saying more, he says what I thought was perfectly normal for an 17MO : Dada, Mama, Here, There, Car, Goat, More, ByeBye and many more, but she said he should be able to say more like Dada give me that - Am going Mad.

Just wanted any tips on what to look out for, I don't think his hearing or his speech is currently affected by it but I am not an expert on ENT but I am on my son!

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Thanks
J9

Children vary enormously in what they can say at that age. By 17 months DS1 was talking in short sentences, but DS2 had a very basic vocabulary and didn't string words together until he was 2. They are now 6 and nearly 8 and you wouldn't know the difference.

If you are not concerned then I would trust your instinct, but it is worth keeping an eye on. As long as his vocabulary and speech paterns are improving (albeit slowly) then it should be OK. DS1 had a perforated eardrum aged 3 which effected his hearing for a long time, but his speech didn't seem to suffer.

Our speech and language therapist said several single words (with appropriate meanings) at 18 months is fine. Speech is the most variable of the milestones and your LO is fine. An ENT doc specialises in ears noses and throats, not SAL and is also not a paediatrician. Boys tend to be less verbally adroid than girls as usually too busy dismantling cupboards!!

Thank you, and yes defo running around falling over, pulling cupboards a part and throwing a ball.

His speech sounds fine to me. My dd had grommets fitted for glue ear (aged 4) and it worked wonders for her so if they suggest them for your little one don't panic!