How severe is the hearing loss with Otitis Media and how does it affect children?

Hearing loss in otitis media varies. Nonetheless, all children with otitis media or otitis media with effusion have some degree of hearing loss. The average hearing loss in children and adults with fluid is equivalent to placing your hands over your ears. Misunderstanding speech may become a problem in adults. In children, a potential adverse effect of such hearing loss is delayed speech and language skills. Draining the fluid (as with ear tubes) immediately restores the hearing.