Qualifying For Social Security Disability When You Have Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can happen for a variety of reasons. It may be something you were born with that has steadily worsened over the years, or caused by age, routine exposure to loud noises, and certain types of medical conditions. If you suffer hearing loss that is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may be entitled to disability benefits. Our Orlando Social Security disability lawyer shares more about the symptoms and your rights to these payments.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss That May Cause Long-Term Disabilities

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50 million workers are exposed to conditions that can cause or contribute to hearing loss on the job. Loud noises and certain types of hazardous chemicals may cause damage to the ear canal, resulting in permanent impairments.

In addition to occupational causes, hearing loss can occur due to hereditary diseases, chronic health conditions, accidental injuries, routine exposure to loud noise in your personal life, or as a natural result of the aging process. Long before your hearing loss causes permanent long-term disability, you may suffer the following symptoms:

• Pain and cracking in the ears;
• Tinnitus, or hearing a ringing noise;
• Sensitivity to loud noises;
• Having to strain to hear what people say;
• Needing stereos, televisions, or any listening device turned to the highest volume.

Hearing Loss And Your Rights To Social Security Disability Benefits

You may be entitled to benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you suffer hearing loss that prevents you from working for a year or longer. Your doctor will need to make a firm diagnosis, which often involves doing air and bone conduction tests, which measure vibrations in the air.

Under the SSA’s Listing Of Impairments, you may be considered hearing disabled if these tests show an average threshold of 90 decibels or greater in your better ear. You may also be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if you score 40 percent or less on a standard word recognition hearing test. Other eligibility requirements you must meet include:

• Have earned enough qualifying work credits. These are awarded four times per year depending on your income. You need 40 credits to get disability benefits.
• Have earned at least ten of these credits over the last year. You must have worked recently to be eligible for benefits.
• Have a qualifying condition. You will need to provide the SSA with copies of all medical records relating to your testing and treatment for hearing loss, as well as statements from your doctor and any specialists involved in your care.

To Get The Benefits You Are Entitled To, Contact Our Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer

If hearing loss prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. To get the maximum amount you are entitled to, contact Farrell Disability Law. Request a consultation with our Florida Social Security disability lawyer in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.

Sources:

cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/

ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/2.00-SpecialSensesandSpeech-Adult.htm#2_01