About speech, language, and hearing development problems
Children develop speech, language, and hearing skills at different ages. There are several causes of speech delay in children, including neurological causes, behavioral difficulties, and access to appropriate environmental stimuli. However, the most common cause of speech delay in children is the persistence of fluid behind the eardrum and the associated hearing loss.
Fluid behind the eardrum resulting from chronic ear infections may cause a mild hearing loss, preventing children from hearing sound appropriately.
Hearing loss can lead to delays in your child's ability to make sounds, learn to speak, and communicate. Consult your child's physician if you are concerned about your child's hearing or speech, or if you notice any of the following:
- no response to sound at any age
- infant does not move or jump when a loud sound is made
- no babbling by the time the infant is 9 months old
- no words spoken by the age of 18 to 24 months
- does not follow simple commands by 2 years old
- stuttering continues past 5 years old
- poor voice quality at any age
Any child who has a diagnosis of speech delay, is enrolled in early intervention, or has a family history of hearing loss should have an audiologic evaluation. Hearing can be evaluated at any age by our skilled team of audiologists.
Speech, Language, and Hearing Development Problems | Programs & Services
Programs
Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program
Program
The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program uses a compassionate, family centered approach to diagnose and treat neurodevelopmental disorders.
Center for Communication Enhancement
Program
The Center for Communication Enhancement provides expert care for children with a variety of communication differences.
Developmental Medicine Center
Program
The Developmental Medicine Center's mission is to improve the lives of infants, children, and adolescents who face developmental and behavioral challenges and to support their families throughout their child’s life span.
General Pediatric Consultation Program
Program
The General Pediatric Consultation Program is a medical diagnostic clinic for children with unusual or complicated symptoms that need further evaluation.
NICU Growth and Developmental Support Programs (GraDS)
Program
The NICU Growth and Developmental Support Program provides ongoing medical and developmental support for children and their families.
Learn more about NICU Growth and Developmental Support Programs (GraDS)
Departments
Division of Developmental Medicine
Department
The Division of Developmental Medicine works to improve the lives of infants, children, and adolescents who have developmental and behavioral problems.
