How can I obtain disability benefits for my impaired hearing?

Before you can determine if your sensory disability will qualify for Social Security disability coverage, it is important to note the severity of your condition. The Social Security Administration determines if you are able to collect disability based on your ability to work. If you are unable to do so, you may qualify for disability if you meet the guidelines put forth by the organizations.

Meeting Requirements

For those who are hearing impaired, it is very important to work with an attorney to quality for disability if possible as this will help ensure your case gets fair treatment. The following is likely to happen.

• An audiometry test will need to be taken to determine the extent of the condition.
• You may need to take a speech discrimination test to determine the extent of the condition.
• Medical records must show your condition, cause and severity.
• The hearing in both ears must be below the listing level set by the Social Security Administration. If it is low in just one, you may not qualify.
• Your threshold of hearing sensitivity for air conduction must be at 90 decibels or higher (and)
• Bone conduction testing show should a corresponding maximal levels in the better ear.
• Or, your speech discrimination scores must be 40 percent or lower in the better ear.

If you are unsure if you qualify for disability due to your hearing loss, discuss the case with a disability attorney. The attorney will work with you to determine what potential options are available and can help you to overturn an appeal.