Ibrahim Ali Khan on his childhood health issues: All about jaundice, hearing and speech issues in children

Ibrahim shared that he was born with a hearing issue and also suffered from jaundice that impacted his brainstem, leading to difficulties with speech. For years, he went through speech therapy and medical care (Image: @iak/Instagram)

In a rare and heartfelt revelation, actor Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, recently spoke about his struggles with jaundice, a hearing condition, and delayed speech during his childhood. His honesty has sparked important conversations around common but often misunderstood health conditions. Ibrahim’s story shows how early health challenges can shape a person, and more importantly, how resilience, care, and awareness can help overcome them.

Ibrahim shared that he was born with a hearing issue and also suffered from jaundice that impacted his brainstem, leading to difficulties with speech. For years, he went through speech therapy and medical care.

His story is a powerful reminder that many children face similar health hurdles but rarely talk about them. Hearing problems and jaundice can affect not just physical development but also confidence and social growth, especially in formative years.

Also read | Jaundice causes, symptoms, cure: Watch out for these warning signs of a serious, underlying condition

Understanding jaundice, speech, and hearing issues in children

According to a study in PubMed, neonatal jaundice (common in newborns) occurs due to high bilirubin levels in the blood and, in severe cases, can lead to kernicterus, a brain damage that impacts motor skills, hearing, and speech. Early detection and treatment, such as phototherapy or medication, are crucial.

Hearing impairments, especially congenital ones, may not be obvious at birth. If left untreated, they can delay speech and language development. Speech disorders may then follow due to poor auditory feedback, which is essential for learning language. That’s why early screening and interventions, like hearing aids or speech therapy, are vital for a child’s growth.

Signs and causes to watch for:

Common symptoms to watch for include the skin or eyes, which may indicate jaundice, as well as delayed or unclear speech. A child may also show little response to sounds, experience frequent ear infections, or have trouble understanding and following instructions, signs that could point to hearing or speech-related issues.

Also read | Rakesh Roshan talks about daughter Sunaina’s health struggles; says, ‘I learned about strength from her’

Causes of hearing and speech issues:

Hearing and speech issues in children can be caused by high bilirubin at birth (jaundice), genetic factors, birth complications, frequent ear infections, neurological problems, or environmental triggers like loud noise or infections. Early detection and care are key to managing these challenges.

Treatment:

• Regular check-up: Regular check-ups in the first year of life help catch hearing or speech delays. Don’t wait, early action makes a big difference.
• Consider therapy: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, or audiology services can greatly help a child develop communication skills and confidence.
• Create a supportive environment: Encourage open conversation, patient listening, and positive reinforcement. Every small win matters.
• Stay informed: Educate yourself about signs, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing what to look for can lead to faster and more effective care.