Hearing loss and disability benefits can be complicated to figure out, but The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. is here to help. Our experienced disability attorneys have been assisting people in the Chicagoland area for over 50 years.
Call us today at (847) 299-0008 for a free case evaluation.
Is Hearing Loss Considered a Disability?
Hearing loss can qualify as a disability under the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines. However, simply having a hearing impairment doesn’t automatically mean you will receive benefits. The SSA has strict medical criteria that must be met, which is why working with knowledgeable attorneys like Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates can improve your chances of success.
How the SSA Defines Hearing Loss
The SSA evaluates hearing loss based on medical evidence and specific audiometric testing results. Many people with hearing loss struggle to maintain employment due to communication barriers and workplace challenges. Your hearing loss must be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), meaning you cannot work and earn a sustainable income due to your condition.
Common Types of Hearing Loss That May Qualify for Disability
The SSA recognizes various types of hearing loss, including:
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, often caused by aging, noise exposure, or infections.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: This occurs when sound cannot pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear due to blockages, infections, or structural abnormalities.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: A combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, affecting both sound transmission and nerve function.
- Profound or Total Deafness: Complete inability to hear in one or both ears, significantly impacting communication and daily activities.
How Do You Qualify for Disability With Hearing Loss?
The SSA has strict requirements for determining whether hearing loss qualifies as a disabling medical condition. To qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits due to hearing loss, you must meet one of the following SSA criteria:
- Hearing Loss Without Cochlear Implants
- An average hearing threshold sensitivity of 90 decibels (dB) or greater in the better ear.
- A word recognition score of 40% or lower in the better ear, based on a standardized speech discrimination test.
- Hearing Loss With Cochlear Implants
- You are automatically considered disabled for at least one year after implantation.
- After one year, if your word recognition score is 60% or less, you may still qualify.
What Information Do I Need to Qualify for Disability?
To strengthen your disability claim, you should provide:
- Medical records from audiologists and ENT specialists
- Results from audiometric tests (pure-tone and speech discrimination tests)
- Documentation of how hearing loss affects your daily life and ability to work
- Work history and income records to establish financial eligibility for SSDI or SSI
How Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates Can Help
Navigating the SSA’s disability process can be overwhelming, especially if your initial claim is denied. That’s where Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates can make a difference. Our experienced disability attorneys can:
- Help gather and organize medical evidence
- Assist in making sure your application is complete and meets all SSA criteria
- Represent you during appeals and hearings if your claim is denied
- Advocate on your behalf to maximize your chances of approval
With over 100 years of combined experience, our firm has helped people just like you secure the benefits they need to support their health and well-being.
