Studies conducted in developed countries have shown that hearing loss is
the most common birth defect with an incidence rate of 3 for every
1,000 babies born every year. A newborn cannot communicate with
the parent, making it difficult for the doctor or parent to identify the
defect early on. Babies who do not hear your voice, a lullaby or a
nursery rhyme may have problems learning to talk. It is
important to have your baby’s hearing tested before you leave the
hospital after delivering the child. Hearing problems need to be
identified as early as possible so that you may take the necessary
actions that give your baby the best chance to develop speech and
language.