Hearing Loss Disability

It is possible to receive Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from Social Security for Hearing Impairments and Disabilities.

Hearing Disability Benefits Eligibility

For an adult you must show that hearing cannot be restored by a hearing aid:

• Average hearing threshold sensitivity for air conduction of 90decibels or greater, and for bone conduction to corresponding maximal levels, in the better ear, determined by the simple average of hearing threshold levels at 500, 1000, and 2000hz.; or
• Speech discrimination scores of 40 percent or less in the better ear.

For a child you must show:

• For children below 5 years of age at time of adjudication, inability to hear air conduction thresholds at an average of 40 decibels (db) hearing level or greater in the better ear; or
• For children 5 years of age and above at time of adjudication:
  • Inability to hear air conduction thresholds at an average of 70 decibels (db) or greater in the better ear; or
  • Speech discrimination scores at 40 percent or less in the better ear; or
  • Inability to hear air conduction thresholds at an average of 40 decibels (db) or greater in the better ear, and a speech and language disorder which significantly affects the clarity and content of the speech and is attributable to the hearing impairment.

The disability requirements under the Social Security Act are very strict.  A finding of disability under these regulations would be enough proof of disability for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Legal Help for Hearing Disability Benefits

If you think you have been a victim of discrimination because of your disability, consult a lawyer who specializes in disability law.  The ADA allows for the payment of attorney’s fees.  It is also advisable to have legal representation before the Social Security Administration on a disability claim.  Attorney’s fees can be withheld from any past due award to which a recipient may be entitled.