Episode #21: Ear Infections + Speech Development — What Parents Should Know with Dr. Anjuli Gans
If your toddler has had multiple ear infections, you’re not alone—and if you’ve ever wondered how those infections might impact their speech or language development, this episode is for you.
We’re joined by Dr. Anjuli Gans, a board-certified pediatrician with over a decade of experience, an attending physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s also the creator of Resilient Rascals, where she shares evidence-based, down-to-earth advice on pediatric health—and she’s a mom of two. We’ve learned so much from Dr. Gans over the years and are thrilled to have her on the podcast.
But first, Katie shares her personal story of navigating chronic ear infections with her son, how it affected his early development, and what happened after getting PE tubes.
In the episode we discuss why toddlers are especially prone to ear infections, how ear infections can impact speech and language development, and what’s really going on when there’s fluid in your child’s ears.
You’ll learn how fluid affects hearing, when antibiotics are necessary (and when they might not be), and how to know if it’s time to see a pediatric ENT. We also explain what pressure equalization (PE) tubes are and when they can be helpful. Most importantly, we share what to do if you’re feeling stuck or worried about your child’s communication—because you’re not alone, and there are ways to help.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by ear infections, unsure of the next step, or concerned about your toddler’s speech and language, we hope this episode helps you feel a little more informed—and a lot more supported.
Resources Mentioned:
Get our free Toddler Milestone Checklist to track your child’s communication skills
Connect with Dr. Gans:
Follow Dr. Gans on Instagram: @resilientrascals