There is wide variation in normal speech development and the speech problems of some cleft palate children are complex. Most childhood ear disease cures itself by the age of seven or eight. It may linger longer in children with deft palates but many are affected mildly, intermittently or for only a short time. Waiting for nature to take its course can therefore be the best option for some children. Various medications are used in glue ear.
Antibiotics are helpful for the treatment of ear infections.
Decongestants and nasal sprays are sometimes prescribed in an attempt to dear middle ears. If under-ventilation of the middle ears due to poor eustachian tube function is the cause of the problem, an alternative Ventilation system ought to help. This is the purpose of grommets, which are tiny flanged tubes which are placed in the eardrum. Their insertion in children requires a short operation under general anaesthetic. The eardrum is punctured, any liquid in the middle ear is sucked out and the grommet is placed in the puncture, which would otherwise dose very quickly.