Which profile is most consistent with a phonological delay?

The profile of a child with pressure equalization tubes due to recurrent otitis media is most consistent with a phonological delay because recurrent otitis media can lead to temporary hearing loss. This hearing impairment can result in the child having insufficient auditory input to fully develop phonological skills. Typically, children with phonological delays demonstrate difficulty in acquiring and using the rules for sound patterns in their language, which may stem from experiences of hearing loss during critical periods of speech development.

Hearing loss can adversely affect a child's ability to perceive the sounds of their language correctly, leading to difficulties in articulating sounds accurately and developing phonological awareness. As a result, such children may exhibit delayed speech sound development characterized by patterns typical of phonological delays. This condition allows for a clear link between the child's medical history involving hearing issues and the resulting phonological challenges they face.