It is important to remember that Pierre Robin Sequence is a cleft related disorder. Almost all children with clefts of the palate are prone to fluid build-up behind the eardrum, which can mildly or moderately affect hearing. This fluid can also lead to ear infections if left untreated. Ongoing monitoring by an Ears, Nose and Throat specialist, and audiologists who specialize in testing infants and children, is recommended. The length of time varies with the severity of the condition.
Most children present a normal profile by six years of age.
Surgical advancement of the lower jaw is rarely required. The cleft palate must be surgically closed, and this is usually done between 12 to 18 months of age. Surgery can sometimes be delayed to take advantage of growth which may tend to narrow the opening in the palate. In cases where surgical interventions are required to assist with breathing, surgery may also be delayed to avoid further complications. Children with a cleft palate may have difficulty with proper speech development, and should be monitored by a Speech Pathologist or participate in speech therapy, if their speech is not developing adequately.