Individuals can struggle with hearing loss based on a medical condition or extended exposure to ototoxic chemicals. Unfortunately, hearing loss can ultimately impact an individual’s ability to maintain gainful employment and earn a living wage. In these situations, Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits can mean that an individual’s financial future is secure.
While many people equate Social Security Disability benefits with physical challenges, individuals might be eligible to receive benefits based on physical, psychological or perceptive difficulties. It is important to explore your options before making any type of decision regarding the benefits you might file a claim for.
Section 2.10 of the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book pertains directly to hearing loss. For an individual to be approved for SSDI benefits under this listing, he or she must meet at least one of the specified criteria:
- Hearing threshold: The air conduction hearing threshold and the bone conduction hearing threshold of the better ear will be measured. If the thresholds measure 90 and 60 decibels or greater, respectively, the hearing loss requirement will be met.
- Word recognition: If, in the better ear, the individual scores a 40% or less while measuring word recognition on a standardized list of phonetically balanced monosyllable words, the threshold of hearing loss has been met.
If you are concerned about your possible eligibility for SSDI benefits, it is important to discuss your situation with an experienced legal professional. Whether you are filing an initial claim or facing a claim denial, do not hesitate to protect your financial future.