Hearing Loss

Social Security Disability Insurance – Hearing Loss

It is possible for Americans with profound hearing loss to be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.  The severity of the condition is what determines whether or not an applicant will be approved for benefits.  People with moderate or mild hearing loss will not be approved for benefits.

To qualify for benefits due to hearing loss, one of two tests can be utilized, either Audiometry or Word Recognition Test.

For both of these tests there are specific functioning levels that if a person falls below will result in them automatically qualifying for SSDI benefits.  Additionally Cochlear implant patients are another group of patients that are granted automatic approval for SSDI benefits.

If you have the implants in one or both ears the disability will automatically be granted for one year after the implants.

Following that a patient will still be eligible to receive SSDI benefits for as long as they continue to fall below certain hearing capability thresholds that are defined.

Even people whose hearing loss does not technically meet SSA’s disability listing for profound hearing loss still have the ability to be approved for benefits provided they meet other criteria.  A person in this case will need to show that there are no jobs that they are able to do with their level of hearing loss.  Some individuals with hearing loss may qualify for disability benefits based on a medical-vocational allowance.