(HealthDay) -- As many as two of every 1,000 children born in the United States have a hearing problem. That's why all newborns should have their hearing tested in their first month.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the earlier a hearing problem is diagnosed, the sooner therapy can start, and the better off the child will be. Unfortunately, one-quarter of children who have serious congenital hearing problems aren't diagnosed until age 3. Hearing problems contribute to developmental problems involving speech, cognitive and psychosocial abilities, the CDC says.
The CDC says the test costs about $30 and takes about nine minutes.
