Which factor most likely contributes to a child's speech intelligibility issues according to their case history?

Which factor most likely contributes to a child's speech intelligibility issues according to their case history?

• A. History of consistent speech therapy
• B. Frequent ear infections
• C. Stable home environment
• D. Age-typical language development

Answer: (B)

Frequent ear infections are a significant factor that can contribute to a child's speech intelligibility issues. Research shows that recurrent ear infections, or otitis media, can lead to temporary or even long-term hearing loss, which in turn affects a child's ability to perceive speech sounds accurately. When a child's hearing is compromised, they may struggle to hear certain phonemes correctly, leading to misarticulations and errors in speech production. As a result, the child may have increased difficulty being understood by others, which directly impacts their overall speech intelligibility. In contrast, a history of consistent speech therapy would typically indicate ongoing support and intervention to improve speech skills rather than contribute to intelligibility issues. A stable home environment generally promotes healthy development and communication skills, while age-typical language development suggests that a child is progressing normally for their age, which would not inherently lead to intelligibility concerns. Thus, frequent ear infections present a clear pathway to understanding why they could significantly impact speech intelligibility.

Frequent ear infections are a significant factor that can contribute to a child's speech intelligibility issues. Research shows that recurrent ear infections, or otitis media, can lead to temporary or even long-term hearing loss, which in turn affects a child's ability to perceive speech sounds accurately. When a child's hearing is compromised, they may struggle to hear certain phonemes correctly, leading to misarticulations and errors in speech production. As a result, the child may have increased difficulty being understood by others, which directly impacts their overall speech intelligibility.

In contrast, a history of consistent speech therapy would typically indicate ongoing support and intervention to improve speech skills rather than contribute to intelligibility issues. A stable home environment generally promotes healthy development and communication skills, while age-typical language development suggests that a child is progressing normally for their age, which would not inherently lead to intelligibility concerns. Thus, frequent ear infections present a clear pathway to understanding why they could significantly impact speech intelligibility.