**Core Concept**
Screening for hearing impairment in infants is crucial for early detection and intervention. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a universal newborn hearing screening program to identify infants with hearing loss before they leave the hospital.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) recommends that all newborns undergo a hearing screening test before discharge from the hospital. This is because early detection and intervention can significantly improve language development, academic performance, and social skills in children with hearing loss. The screening test is typically performed using automated otoacoustic emission (OAE) or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the JCIH recommends screening before discharge, not after 1 month of age.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the recommended age for initial hearing screening is not 1 year, but rather immediately after birth.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the recommended age for initial hearing screening is not 3 months, but rather immediately after birth.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Infants with hearing loss may exhibit delayed speech and language development, and may not respond to their name or to loud sounds. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in children with hearing loss.

**Correct Answer:** D.