4.2 Google RatedPekas Smith Disability Attorneys specialize in SSDI claims for hearing loss in Arizona. If hearing impairment or deafness prevents you from working, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your case and explore your options with a hearing loss SSDI lawyer.
Social Security Disability Benefits for Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can significantly impact your ability to work and perform daily activities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes profound hearing loss as a qualifying disability under its Blue Book listings, which define the extent of hearing loss needed to qualify. This means individuals with severe hearing impairments may be eligible for SSDI benefits, even without a cochlear implant.
Eligibility Criteria for SSDI Due to Hearing Loss
To qualify for SSDI benefits due to hearing loss, you must show:
- Severity of Hearing Loss: The impairment must be serious enough to prevent employment or substantial gainful activity.
- Medical Documentation: Comprehensive medical evaluations and audiometric testing results are required to prove the extent of the hearing impairment.
- Work History: Applicants must have a sufficient work history with contributions to Social Security through payroll taxes or meet specific exception criteria.
Qualifying for Hearing Loss SSDI Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses hearing loss according to Section 2.00 of its Blue Book, categorizing cases into two groups: those with cochlear implants and those without.
- Hearing Loss Without Cochlear Implantation(2.10): A person qualifies if they have either (1) an average air conduction threshold of 90 dB or greater, along with a bone conduction threshold of 60 dB or greater in the better ear, or (2) a word recognition score of 40% or less in the better ear. These thresholds indicate profound deafness. A profoundly deaf individual cannot hear a lawnmower, vacuum cleaner, or even a conversation at normal volume.
- Hearing Loss With Cochlear Implantation(2.11): Individuals with a cochlear implant are automatically classified as disabled for one year. After this period, they continue to qualify if they score 60% or lower on the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT).
Proving Hearing Loss for Social Security Disability Benefits
Working with an experienced hearing loss SSDI lawyer will help ensure that you present the best case possible. To qualify for disability benefits due to hearing loss, you must provide medical evidence demonstrating your impairment. This includes:
- Otologic Examination: A thorough medical evaluation of your ears, including a review of your medical history, an assessment of how hearing loss affects your daily life, a physical examination of the ears, and the medical professional’s findings.
- Audiometric Testing: A licensed audiologist or otolaryngologist must perform an audiometric exam to measure the extent of hearing loss. To ensure accuracy, this test should be performed within two months of the otologic exam.
- Additional Evidence: The Social Security Administration (SSA) also considers non-medical evidence, such as statements from family, friends, or coworkers about your ability to communicate and perform daily activities.
Testing procedures vary depending on whether the individual has a cochlear implant. SSA guidelines for hearing loss evaluations are outlined in sections 2.00B2c, 2.00B2e, and 2.00B3b of the Blue Book. Special documentation requirements apply to individuals who are not fluent in English.
How Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys Can Assist
Navigating the SSDI application process can be complicated. We can help. At Pekas Smith Arizona Disability Attorneys, we offer comprehensive legal support to individuals with hearing loss, including:
- Application Assistance: We will guide you through the initial application process and ensure that you accurately present all necessary medical records and documentation.
- Appeals Representation: If your SSDI claim is denied, our experienced attorneys can represent you during the reconsideration and appeal stages, advocating for your rights to benefits.
- Personalized Legal Support: With over 30 years of experience in disability benefits law, our firm is dedicated to understanding your unique situation and providing tailored legal strategies.
Call or message us for your free consultation.
Free Consultation – Talk to a Lawyer
We invite you to talk to our SSDI lawyers about your hearing loss. Let us answer your questions about how to qualify for benefits and provide guidance related to your situation. Meet our legal team.
Let’s discuss how one of our hearing loss SSDI lawyers may be able to help you.
Attorneys Jeremy D. Pekas, Tye Smith, and Sterling King lead a team that serves clients throughout Arizona. We understand that you need your benefits, and we want to make the process easy and your claim successful.
Call us or send us a message to talk to Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys and begin your case today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of medical evidence can I use to support my SSDI claim for hearing loss?
To qualify for disability insurance, you must provide:
- A medical diagnosis from a licensed physician or audiologist
- Results from an audiology exam, including pure tone thresholds and frequency (measured in hertz)
- Additional tests, such as word recognition scores and outer ear examinations
- Documentation of any related conditions such as vertigo, ear infections, traumatic brain injury, or head injury
- A history of medication, treatment, or use of hearing aids
Can a work accident or occupational noise exposure contribute to hearing loss disability?
Yes, occupational noise exposure, including construction or workplace environments, can lead to hearing loss. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets noise exposure limits to protect workers. If your hearing loss resulted from a work accident, personal injury, or employer negligence, you may have grounds for a lawsuit to recover damages. A hearing loss SSDI lawyer can help determine your legal options.
Does SSDI cover hearing loss caused by disease, infection, or injury?
Yes, SSDI covers hearing loss resulting from disease, infection, or injury. Common causes include chronic ear infections, canal blockages, motor vehicle accidents, pain or trauma affecting the auditory system, and head injuries. If your hearing loss stems from an accident, consult a hearing loss disability lawyer to explore SSDI benefits or other compensation options.
Can I receive both SSDI and Medicare for hearing-related health care?
If you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you will also become eligible for health insurance through Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. Medicare may cover certain health care expenses, including hearing tests and treatment. However, routine hearing aids are typically not covered. A hearing loss SSDI lawyer can help navigate your benefits.
How does hearing loss qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?
Hearing loss may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if it significantly impacts your ability to work and meet daily communication needs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates hearing impairment based on decibel levels, which measure the intensity of sound and speech recognition abilities.
Medical evaluations assess the functionality of the middle ear, including the eardrum, to determine the severity of the condition. If you qualify for SSI, you may also be eligible for health insurance through Medicaid, helping cover medical treatments, assistive devices, and other necessary care.
How can a hearing loss SSDI lawyer help me file a successful claim?
A hearing loss disability lawyer can:
- Gather medical evidence, including hearing tests, physician reports, and education records
- Advise on legal advice and appeal strategies
- Represent you in case of denial, including at an administrative hearing
- Assist in pursuing additional compensation through a lawsuit if your hearing loss resulted from workplace conditions, personal injury, or negligence.
For help with your claim, email or call a hearing loss SSDI lawyer in Arizona today.
