(NAPSI)—Childhood ear infections can impact hearing and speech development. When a child has a middle-ear infection, fluid accumulates in the middle ear, which is the space behind the eardrum. This fluid can remain for several weeks and may cause temporary reduction or loss of hearing, which can have a negative impact on speech and language skills development. According to a recent study in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, nearly one in five children with a cold or other common respiratory virus develop a middle-ear infection during the first week of infection. A majority of middle-ear infections occur in children under 3 years of age, which is a critical time for language learning and speech development. The EarCheck Middle Ear Monitor is an FDA-cleared, home-use device that can help parents quickly and accurately detect the presence of middle-ear fluid, a key sign of ear infection. EarCheck is available at www.earcheck.com and at participating Walgreens locations.   On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate(NAPSI)

A majority of ear infections occur in children under 3 years of age. (NAPS)