It’s relatively common for young children to develop occasional ear infections, and in most cases, treating them is simple. Unless the infection is caused by a virus, for example, your family doctor may just prescribe antibiotics. Otherwise, you can administer over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended until symptoms pass. If your child develops a chronic ear infection, though, medical intervention is essential. A physician will want to determine the underlying cause of the recurring or persistent infection, since it can result in complications if left untreated. 

3 Risks of Chronic Ear Infections in Children 

1. Hearing Loss

Temporary hearing loss is common as long as the ear infection persists, but if the condition is left untreated, it can also lead to permanent hearing loss. Although rare, both middle ear infections and viral infections of the cochlea pose the risk of permanent hearing loss and warrant a trip to the family doctor as soon as possible. 

2. Speech Difficulties 

Children must hear others enunciate clearly in order to develop their own language skills. If a child has a chronic ear infection, though, his or her hearing will be compromised more often than not, thereby jeopardizing speech development. 

3. Learning Disabilities

Children who struggle with listening and speaking are also at risk of developing learning disabilities like dyslexia. Reading comprehension is tied to auditory processing, especially when children are still learning how to recognize letters and words. 

If you think your child has a chronic ear infection, turn to a family doctor at Lexington Family Physicians. Located in Davidson County, NC, this practice is proud to provide comprehensive care for patients at all stages of life. Led by four highly qualified providers, their friendly team treats everything from sports injuries to depression. To learn more about this clinic, visit their website. You can make an appointment with a family doctor at their practice by calling (336) 249-3329.