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I get questions about ear infections and speech development a great deal from parents of children I see.  Here is some of the information, acquired from various resources that I have read in the past, that I regularly provide to families.

Otitis Media (aka Middle Ear Infection) is where fluid collects and becomes infected, in the middle ear.  It prevents the bones of the ear from conducting sounds as easily because it restricts movement.  These are typically treated with antibiotics, and/or tubes and possibly removal of adenoids, if chronically infected.  Middle Ear Infections can cause no hearing loss, mild hearing, loss, or a moderate amount of hearing loss that lasts until fluid has cleared up.  A mild hearing loss means faint, soft sounds like s, sh, or ending sounds are not heard.  A moderate hearing loss means not hearing most speech sounds, and having difficulty with word endings.  Otitis Media typically occurs in children up to the age of 3.  Language is learned mostly during the first 3 years, the same time when ear infections typically occur.  Just because a child has a couple of ear infections, or recurrent ear infections, does not mean the child will have difficulty acquiring language or speech sounds.  It is important to pay attention to the child and ensure that he/she is meeting the correct language milestones. 

If you are ever concerned about your child's speech/language development, please see a speech therapist for an evaluation.