Will Jaundice Rob Your Child Of Speech?
A recent revelation by Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, sent shockwaves through parents and caregivers across the country. In an interview, Ibrahim opened up about a serious health scare from his infancy that continues to affect him today. “Soon after I was born, I had very bad jaundice, and that went straight to my brainstem,” he shared. The condition severely affected his hearing, which subsequently delayed his speech development—a reality that many parents were unaware could be tied to something as seemingly routine as neonatal jaundice.
To understand how jaundice, a condition that many new parents consider mild and common, could have such long-term effects, we spoke to healthcare professionals and parents who’ve navigated similar challenges. The findings serve as a wake-up call about the importance of awareness, timely diagnosis, and medical intervention.
Jaundice in newborns is quite common and usually appears within the first few days after birth. It’s caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood—a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Since a newborn’s liver is often not developed enough to process bilirubin efficiently, many infants appear yellowish for a short period after birth.
In most cases, this condition resolves itself naturally or with simple interventions such as sunlight exposure or phototherapy. However, not all cases are harmless. In rare but dangerous instances, elevated bilirubin levels—if left untreated—can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause a form of brain damage known as kernicterus, which may lead to hearing loss, motor skill impairment, or speech delays.
Dr. Pradip Uppal, Director and Consultant ENT at Jupiter Hospital, Thane, explains, “Newborn jaundice will usually be mild and will clear up on its own. However, if bilirubin levels rise too high and go undetected, it can impact parts of the brain responsible for hearing and motor skill development. Though rare, damage in these instances can lead to hearing loss or speech delay. That’s why monitoring during the first few days is crucial—any jaundice lasting longer than a week must be carefully investigated.”
For new parents, neonatal complications—whether minor or serious—can be overwhelming. Sometimes, age-old traditions or familial advice conflict with medical recommendations. Mr. Soumik Das learned this the hard way.
“I was very happy that my son had my blood group and not my wife’s. I didn’t realize that blood group incompatibility between the mother and baby can actually prolong jaundice,” he recalls. “When my newborn was diagnosed with jaundice, our elders said it was normal and told us not to worry. Based on that, we decided not to opt for phototherapy. My parents didn’t think it was wise to leave a newborn bare-chested under artificial lights during December’s chill.”
Unfortunately, the low winter sunlight wasn’t enough. The jaundice persisted and began affecting their child’s health. “He’s been in therapy since he turned two,” Mr. Das shares. “We’re now doing everything possible to get him the best medical care.”
His story reflects a broader issue—how a lack of awareness or blind faith in traditional practices can result in preventable complications. “Parents must understand that early intervention is not just important—it’s essential,” says Dr. Sheetal Goyal, Consultant Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
So how exactly does jaundice affect speech? Dr. Goyal explains, “Many people aren’t aware that something as common as newborn jaundice can have lasting effects, especially if bilirubin levels rise too high and are not treated promptly. This can damage areas of the brainstem and auditory pathways, impairing a child’s hearing. Since hearing is essential for learning to speak, this damage can significantly delay speech and language development.”
Parents should keep an eye out for warning signs: limited babbling, no response to sounds, or difficulty forming words beyond the age of two. Dr. Goyal emphasizes that early screening and regular developmental check-ups are crucial. “The good news is that early hearing screening, appropriate brain imaging when necessary, and consistent speech therapy can make a world of difference. We’ve seen children thrive through timely intervention. Every child deserves that chance.”
Ibrahim Ali Khan’s story is a reminder of the struggles many children face. Despite being born into privilege, his journey was far from easy. “Speech is something I’ve worked very hard on since I was a kid,” he admitted. “I’ve had speech coaches and therapists working with me for years. Even now, I feel like my speech isn’t perfect.”
Yet, his perseverance is inspiring. While many may take clear communication for granted, Ibrahim’s openness sheds light on the critical—and often under-discussed—consequences of untreated neonatal jaundice.
Moving Forward: What Parents Need to Know
Early detection and medical intervention are key. Here’s what parents can do:
Insist on a bilirubin check within the first 24 to 72 hours after birth.
Don’t ignore prolonged yellowing of the skin or eyes, especially after the first week.
Trust medical professionals over home remedies when jaundice appears serious.
Be vigilant about speech milestones. If your child isn’t babbling, responding to sound, or forming words at appropriate ages, consult a pediatrician or speech therapist.
Ensure early hearing screenings and follow up with specialists if required.
Jaundice may be common, but that doesn't mean it’s always harmless. With the right information and prompt action, parents can ensure that a potentially serious condition is handled with the care and attention it deserves.
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