When fluid is present, the vibrations are not transmitted efficiently and sound energy is lost. The result may be a mild or even a moderate hearing loss. Therefore, some speech sounds may be muffled or inaudible. Generally, this type of hearing loss is temporary. However, when otitis media occurs over and over again, damage to the eardrum, the bones of the ear, or even the hearing nerve can occur and cause permanent hearing loss.
Children learn speech and language from listening to other people talk.
The first few years of life are especially critical for this development. If a hearing loss exists, a child does not get full benefit of language learning experiences. Consequently, critical delays in speech and language development may occur. Otitis media without infection presents a special problem because symptoms of pain and fever are usually not present. Therefore, weeks, and even months, can go by before parents suspect a problem.