What Causes Speech Delay in Children?

Pediatric otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) play a vital role in the evaluation and management of children with speech delay, a communication disorder characterized by late speech and language development. These specialists, working with audiologists, speech therapists, and teachers, are an important part of the team that many children with speech delay rely on to reach their potential. Aldo Londino, MD, a pediatric otolaryngologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital, explains speech delay, what parents should expect during a physician visit, and how the condition is treated.

How do I know if my child has a speech delay?

While common causes of the condition include oral-motor problems (difficulty controlling speech muscles), significant ear wax buildup, chronic ear infections, or fluid behind the ear drums, signs of speech delay are varied.

Contact your child’s physician if your child:

• By four months is not babbling with expression and copying sounds he or she hears
• By six months is not responding to his or her name and/or cannot string vowels together (“ah,” “eh,” “oh”)
• By 12 months is not able to say “Mama” and “Dada” and/or is not expressing gestures, such as pointing or shaking head “no”
• By 18 months has difficulties imitating sounds
• By two years cannot follow simple directions or use verbal language to communicate more than immediate needs

Early detection can be critical. There are various steps both parents and doctors can take to help at-risk children.  If you need additional help deciding when to ask your pediatrician or ear, nose, and throat specialist about possible speech delay, consult the well-organized and thorough reference of milestones during childhood compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Keep in mind that many children are late bloomers. Not every child with a late start will go on to have a speech delay.  Albert Einstein, for instance, was initially considered delayed because he developed speech late in childhood.

What tests are important for evaluating speech delay in children?

All children with a suspected speech delay receive a formal hearing test in the office.  Though sometimes difficult to perform in a young child, this test is a complete evaluation of how your child hears and provides valuable information about the health and function of their ears.  We always review hearing test results with the parent in the office.  Additionally, as part of the evaluation for delayed speech, we always perform a thorough physical examination of your child, focused particularly on the ears and the oral cavity.  We also evaluate the tongue for a tongue-tie and ensure that the tongue has good mobility.

What should I expect during a visit for speech delay?

Your pediatric ear, nose, and throat doctor will ask several questions about you and your child. Records from birth and from your child’s pediatrician can inform the best diagnosis and treatment.  Be prepared to answer the following questions, among many others:

• Were there any hurdles or challenges during the pregnancy or delivery of your child?
• A hearing test is generally done while your baby is in the nursery soon after birth. Did your child pass this screening?
• Has your child suffered from recurrent ear infections? If so, how frequent and how severe?
• Has your child ever had ear surgery?
• Is there a history of hearing loss in your family? Please note younger family members with hearing aids or any possible hereditary hearing loss.
• Does your child respond to sounds/noises/conversation in his or her environment?
• When was the last time your child had a hearing test?
• How is your child doing in school or day care?

How is speech delay treated?

The effective treatment of speech delay very much relies on the underlying cause. Treating recurrent ear infections, for example, can help a child hear normally, and thereby enhance their ability to interact and learn from the words and sounds in their environment. Repairing a tongue-tie can help increase the mobility of the tongue and, with practice and help, have a big impact on pronunciation.

Regardless of the underlying cause, it is important that your child has a team dedicated to helping them reach their full potential.  Pediatricians, pediatric otolaryngologists, audiologists, speech therapists, and teachers all play a critical role in helping you and your child reach your goals. As a parent, always communicate with your child.  Your positive reinforcement of their expressive habits is a valuable tool. And, most importantly, if you have concerns about your child, ask your pediatrician about consultation with a pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialist.