The hidden hearing crisis in early years – and the free solution every nursery can use

Too many children are quietly struggling to hear in early years settings, and it is often missed until their speech, learning and behaviour are already affected. This article and podcast episode share the story behind the Universal Glue Ear Screening Programme, explain what glue ear is and why it matters, and show how a free termly glue ear check can protect every child.​

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-hidden-hearing-crisis-in-early-years-and-the-free-solution-every-nursery-can-use/ ​

This episode is in partnership with My Little Ears

We are a paediatric hearing clinic dedicated to improving early identification and management of glue ear in children. Glue ear is the leading cause of temporary hearing loss in children, affecting 1 in 5 preschool children at any given time in the UK.

To find out more visit: https://mylittleears.co.uk/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· A guide to potty training with Rebecca Mottram: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/

· Nutritious mealtimes for under 5's with Catherine Lippe: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/nutritious-mealtimes-for-under-5s/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Glue ear: the hidden hearing crisis in early childhood
00:50 – What is glue ear and how does it affect hearing?
03:28 – How common is glue ear in children?
04:33 – Why young children are more susceptible to glue ear
05:58 – Why glue ear resolves differently for each child
06:40 – Why early detection needs to happen beyond the clinic
07:22 – The universal glue ear screening programme for nurseries and schools
09:22 – What glue ear may look like in children
10:49 – 'Not listening' or not hearing?
11:37 – Changes in play, behaviour and communication
13:51 – Key signs educators may notice
14:44 – Signs at home and the effects on speech
15:43 – Hearing muffled speech: a practical demonstration
17:31 – Auditory processing and possible longer-term effects
19:31 – Listening effort, fatigue and memory
20:22 – Why glue ear can recur
21:51 – Factors that may increase the likelihood or severity of glue ear
23:16 – Screening findings: 63% of children in one nursery
25:30 – What happens after glue ear is detected?
27:02 – Supporting access to sound with bone-conduction hearing aids
27:58 – Auto-inflation therapy
29:34 – ENT referrals and grommet surgery
31:05 – What parents and educators can do if they are concerned
32:35 – The free glue ear awareness course
33:03 – Final reflections and further information

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com