Does Microtia Affect Speech? By Dr. Arturo Bonilla
Patients with microtia and aural atresia also have conductive hearing loss because of the lack of an ear canal. If the child only has one-sided microtia, the normal ear compensates and the speech usually normal. If the child has microtia of both ears, then there is indeed bilateral conductive hearing loss. Without the benefit of a bone-conduction hearing aid, it is highly likely for the child to have speech delay.
Microtia: Hearing, Speech, Education
Microtia Hearing Test
Hearing tests are critically important for children with microtia. The purpose of the hearing tests are to make sure that the inner ear, where the hearing nerve is located, is normal. Once all of this information is completed, then appropriate hearing follow-up can be planned. Some recommend yearly, others twice a year depending on the situation.
Microtia Speech Therapy
Hearing is foundational to speech and language acquisition, especially in the first few years of life. Undetected or unmanaged hearing loss in children with microtia can lead to delays in communication skills, social development, and academic performance. Routine testing ensures timely interventions like a BAHA softband bone-conduction hearing aid or surgical options such as bone-conduction hearing implants. Ear canal surgery or atresiaplasty is also an option depending on the anatomy. Anything that can improve the hearing will also help the speech of the child with microtia.
Microtia and Teachers
In order for the child with microtia to function well in school, it is important to communicate with the teacher the importance of preferential seating. For example, if the child has right-sided microtia, you do not want to sit him/her on the left side of the classroom becasue he/she may miss many of the sounds by the teacher. Instead, sit the child where the normal ear is facing the teacher. Also, it is better if the child is seated closest to the teacher. There are FM systems that optimize the hearing if the school provides those services.
