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Questions - AfS In Action! - Get Involved! - Cleft Lip & Palate
Why is cleft lip & palate a debilitating problem? Babies and
children with cleft lip and palate may have*: - Feeding
difficulties - Frequent ear infections and hearing loss (which
often resolves with treatment) - Speech difficulties - Dental
problems - Psychosocial issues Babies with cleft palate are more
likely than other children to have frequent ear infections. The
anatomical problems associated with the cleft car contribute to
a buildup of fluid in the middle ear. If the fluid becomes
infected, the baby can develop fever and an earache. Fluid
buildup in the middle ear also can cause mild to moderate
hearing loss. If treated properly in infancy and childhood, the
hearing loss need not be permanent. If not properly managed,
speech development may be affected by the hearing loss and the
hearing loss may become permanent. Chil