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Help! I Have Kids!
Help! I Have Kids! is the podcast for moms who are doing their best, asking all the right questions, and still wondering if something’s being missed. Hosted by Pam—a mom of five and pediatric occupational therapist with 35 years of experience—this show helps you trust your gut, advocate for your child, and partner with professionals without the overwhelm.
Each week, you’ll get practical tips, real-life stories, and heartfelt encouragement from experts and fellow moms who’ve been in your shoes. Because, as moms, we are the head of our child's medical team!
Help! I Have Kids!
Ear Tubes & Speech Delays in Toddlers: Ear Pain, PE Tube Surgery & Hearing Explained
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Are recurring ear infections leaving your child in pain and putting their speech development on hold? In this episode of Help, I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall (Occupational Therapist and mom of 5) sits down with pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist Beth Blankenship to discuss all things ear tubes and speech delays.
Together, they break down the connection between middle ear fluid and speech delays in toddlers, explain what actually happens during PE tube surgery, and share practical advice for managing night-time ear pain and pressure changes.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Middle Ear Fluid vs. Swimmer’s Ear: How fluid behind the eardrum differs from outer ear infections and why middle ear fluid causes temporary hearing loss.
- The Speech Delay Connection: How hearing with middle ear fluid sounds like listening underwater, causing toddlers to drop final consonants and miss high-frequency speech sounds like S, Z, TH, and F.
- PE Tubes Surgery Explained: What happens during pressure equalization tube placement, anesthesia expectations, and the fast post-surgery recovery.
- Practical Ear Pain Relief: Tips for nighttime ear pain, positioning, and bottle/pacifier tricks to equalize pressure during airplane flights.
- Post-Surgery Speech Support: How pediatric speech therapy and telehealth options can help your child catch up on language development.
✨ CONNECT WITH US:
- Instagram: @helpihavekidspodcast
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- Website: https://marshallpediatrictherapy.com/
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