Resources
Ear Infections Impact Learning
By Toni Hager
Neurodevelopment Specialist
Reprinted with Permission
www.specialchildren.about.com
When your infant or young child has an ear infection, you take them to the doctor who prescribes antibiotics and tells you don’t worry "it’s only an ear infection, nothing to worry about". But is that true?
"Ninety per cent of hyperactive children studied gave a history of three or more ear infections…", according to a study published in the Mary 1997 issue of Clinical Pediatrics. In a 1987 article in Parents Pediatric Report, researchers stated, "Ear infections and their effect on language development are prominent topics in the pediatric literature. Hyperactivity is another item of great interest. On the surface they seem to be two unrelated entities. But could there be a connection between these two conditions? Very much so, says a study from the University of Colorado in Denver, and Yeshiva University in New York." (Hagerman, R.J. & Falkenstein, A.R., "An association between recurrent otitis media in infancy and later hyperactivity," Clinical Pediatrics, 26: May 1987).
Dangers of repeated use of antibiotics
Repeated use of antibiotics to clear up the infection upsets the child’s natural intestinal ecology, resulting in an irritated nervous system. Further, the infection and inflammation of the ear often causes some damage to the tiny hair-like structures of the ear called cilia that help transmit sound, affecting both language abilities and auditory processing.
The discovery of antibiotics is beneficial and has helped save many lives. However, repeated use of certain ones are known to sterilize a child’s intestines, eliminating the good bacteria, while feeding the naturally occurring yeast in the intestines. Causing the balance in the ecology that directly affects a child’s nervous system. This can lead to a yeast overgrowth problem (Candida).
A child suffering with Candida may show some of these behaviors:
- Poor attention
- Hyperactive
- Anger
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- "Spaciness"
- Inappropriate behaviors (animal sounds, etc)
- Memory problems
To replace the good bacteria in the intestines, simply buy a product in your health food store that contain Acidophilus and Bifidus. Yogurt and cottage cheese contains acidophilus but in very small amounts.
Acidophilus is a live bacteria, when purchasing it from the health food store buy the brand that is refrigerated. Acidophilus come in capsule or powder, and can be placed in juice or cold food without affecting the taste.
Many parents report their child has less temper tantrums, less irritability, better concentration, and generally more cooperative.
A diet high in sugar may also lead to a yeast overgrowth.